THE  CELEBRATION 


OF 


NEVADA'S  SEMICENTENNIAL 


OF 


STATEHOOD 


CARSON  CITY.  NEVADA 
STATE  PRINTING  OFFICE  :         :         :         JOE  FARNoViOK 

1917 


RINTENDENT 


ij 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

Microsoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/celebrationofnevOOnevarich 


J4 


THE  CELBRATION  OF 
NEVADA'S  SEMICENTENNIAL  OF  STATEHOOD 


Jeanne  Elizabeth  Wieb 


On  the  last  day  of  the  month  of  October,  1864,  the  State  of  Nevada 
was  admitted  to  the  Union.  The  semicentennial  of  that  event  was  cele- 
brated in  Reno  under  the  auspices  of  the  Nevada  Historical  Society  by 
appropriate  exercises  on  October  29,  30,  31,  and  November  1,  1914.  In 
preparation  for  the  event  a  self-constituted  committee  consisting  of 
Mayor  F.  J.  Shair,  Mr.  E.  F.  Lunsford,  Mr.  F.  R.  Pargellis,  Mr.  H.  F. 
Alciatore,  Prof.  S.  C.  Feemster,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  M.  Gottwaldt,  Supt. 
B.  D.  Billinghurst,  Dr.  W.  W.  Hess,  Mrs.  M.  L.  Golden,  Dr.  R.  Adams, 
Mr.  R.  L.  Fulton,  and  Miss  Jeanne  Elizabeth  Wier  worked  out  the  pro- 
gram and  arranged  for  its  rendition. 

The  features  selected  for  the  celebration  were  a  historical  pageant, 
a  pageant  ball,  a  pioneer  luncheon,  public  school  exercises  and  a  Sun- 
day evening  patriotic  service.  Later  the  University  football  game  with 
the  Barbarians,  Saturday  afternoon,  and  the  Shriners'  entertainment 
at  the  Majestic  Theater,  Friday  and  Saturday  evenings,  were  included 
in  the  celebration.  Both  of  these  events  had  been  previously  scheduled 
for  those  dates  and  hence  occupied  the  best  places  on  Admission  Day, 
October  31,  and  Admission  Day  eve,  October  30,  to  the  exclusion  of 
the  truly  patriotic  part  of  the  program.  The  historical  pageant  was 
thereby  forced  to  take  Thursday  afternoon,  the  29th,  for  its  date,  Avhile 
the  Pioneer  luncheon  fell  on  Friday. 

Subcommittees  w^ere  appointed  as  follows : 
Mr.  Pargellis — Use  of  Mackay  Field  and  suspension  of  college  exercises  on 

Pageant  Day. 
Mr.  Gottwaldt — Governor's  proclamation  of  celebration;    Elks  and  Commercial 

Club  open  house  ;  railroad  rates. 
Mayor  Shair — Securing  cooperation  from  City  Council. 
Supt.  Billinghurst — Half  holiday  for  public  schools  Pageant  Day  and  privilege 

of  absence  for  necessary  rehearsals. 
Mrs.  Golden — Participation  of  Century  Club  in  celebration. 
Mr.  Hess — Cooperation  of  ministerial  association. 
Judge  Seeds,  A.  A.  Codd,  W.  M.  Gottwaldt,  E.  F.  Lunsford,  Homer  Mooney,  R.  L. 

Fulton — Committee  on  mailing  list  and  publicity. 
Mr.  Alciatore  and  Mr.  Feemster — Pioneer  luncheon  committee. 
Dr.  R.  Adams,  Mrs.  M.  L.  Golden,  and  Mr.  F.  M.  Lee — Pioneer  organization. 
Mrs.  M.  L.  Golden — Costume  ball. 
Pageant  Committees : 

Seat  Sale— Mr.  Wm.  Cann,  Prof.  N.  E.  Wilson,  Mr.  S.  W.  Porteous. 

Soldiers — Mayor  F,  J.  Shair,  Pres.  A.  W.  Hendrick,  Mr.  A.  W.  Cahlan. 

Music— Prof.  John  A^illi. 

Lighting — Prof.  J.  G.  Scrugham. 

Scenery — Mr.  Glenn  Hurst. 

Special  railroad  rates  were  granted  for  the  occasion  by  the  Southern 


2  The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

Pacific  Railroad.    The  following  invitation  was  sent  out  to  Pioneers  and 
the  press  of  the  State  also  kindlj^  extended  the  invitation  : 


The  State  of  Nevada 

The  Nevada  Historical  Society 

and 

The  City  of  Reno 

Cordially  invite  you  to  attend  the 

Semicentennial  Celebration  of 

Nevada  Statehood 

and  the  home  gathering  of  Nevada's  former  citizens  to  be  held  in 

Reno,  Nevada,  October  twenty-ninth,  thirtieth,  thirty-first, 

and  November  first,  nineteen  hundred  and  fourteen 


Many  regrets  were  received  from  those  unable  to  attend,  of  which 
we  print  a  few  herewith : 

253  Broadway,  New  York. 

October  21,  1914. 

My  Dear  Miss  Wier  :  It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  hear  from  you  again,  and  I 
wish  it  were  possible  for  me  to  accept  your  kind  and  very  tempting  invitation 
to  be  present  for  the  Semicentennial  Celebration  at  the  end  of  the  month.  I 
would  have  liked  nothing  better. 

These  are  busy  days  for  the  telegraph  man  with  a  war  of  such  magnitude,  but 
I  hope  later  on  to  see  my  way  clear  to  paying  the  University  a  visit,  in  which  I 
am  and  always  shall  be  deeply  interested. 

I  am  Yours  faithfully,  Clarence  H.  Mackay. 

1605  Baker  Street,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

October  27,  1914. 

Dear  Miss  Wier:  Thank  you  for  the  invitation  to  attend  your  ceremonies 
in  Reno  on  October  29,  which  reached  me  promptly  from  New  York  City  in 
eight  days'  time,  my  old  address  still  being  able  to  find  me.  I  was  a  little  girl 
in  Aurora,  Esmeralda  County,  when  the  torchlight  procession  celebrating  the 
great  day  for  Nevada  passed  up  the  canyon  by  my  father's  toll-gate,  on  its 
way  to  town.  I  expected  to  be  allowed  to  march  too,  with  my  brothers  and 
father.  But  my  mother  asked  who  would  keep  the  lights  in  the  windows  for 
their  return  and  cheer  them  as  they  passed  by,  if  the  women  and  the  little 
girls  all  marched,  too?  So  I  dried  my  tears  and  kept  the  candles  burning  and 
learned  to  cheer  that  night  when  the  men  passed  by.  And,  though  I  cast  a 
ballot  today,  I  think  my  mother  was  right.  I  attended  the  first  public  school 
in  Reno.  My  father  was  D.  H.  Haskell,  who  laid  out  the  town  for  the  C.  P. 
R.  R.  as  land  agent. 

Very  truly  yours,  ella  Sterling  Mighels. 

Carson  City,  Nevada,  October  15,  1914. 
Miss  J.  E.  Wier,  Reno,  Nevada. 

Dear  Madam  :  I  see  by  the  Journal  your  request  to  obtain  names  of  the  old 
Pioneers  of  Nevada  or  their  children,  and,  as  I  am  one  of  the  Pioneer  children 
of  Carson  City,  I  thought  I  would  write  you.  When  Nevada  was  admitted  to 
Statehood  I  was  a  little  shaver  three  years  of  age.  There  was  a  celebration 
and  I  was  dressed  to  represent  Uncle  Sam  and  placed  on  a  large  dry-goods 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood  3 

box  on  the  grounds  where  the  Capitol  building  now  stands.  Three  large  bon- 
fires were  lighted  in  the  evening  and  the  soldiers  from  Camp  Nye  west  of 
Carson  City  marched  down  the  street.  The  celebration  ended  with  a  dance  in 
my  mother's  house. 

I  would  like  to  attend  the  celebration  in  Reno,  but,  as  I  suffered  the  amputa- 
tion of  a  limb  last  March,  it  is  impossible  to  do  so.  My  half-brother,  Jas.  D. 
Moss,  was  born  in  Carson  City  51  years  ago  and  is  still  a  resident  of  this  city. 
John  Little  of  Carson  City  is  the  oldest  pioneer;  Robert  Fulstone  comes  next, 
having  come  here  in  1862.  Henry  Keyser  and  James  Gardner  are  also  pioneers, 
Gardner  claiming  to  be  the  first  white  child  born  in  Carson  City. 

Respectfully,  W,  X.  King. 

Oakland,  Cal.,  October  29,  1914. 
Miss  J.  E.  WiER,  Reno,  Nevada. 

My  Dear  Miss  Wier  :  Pleased  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  invitation  to  attend 
the  semicentennial  celebration  of  Nevada's  Statehood,  and  it  would  certainly 
give  me  a  great  deal  of  pleasure  could  I  be  present,  but  it  is  impossible  for  me 
to  attend. 

I   trust  that  the  celebration  will  be  a  great  success  and  I  appreciate  the 
courtesy  of  having  received  an  invitation  from  the  State  that  is  so  dear  to  me. 
Yours  very  truly,  ^   ^   Zabriskie. 

]\Irs.  Idah  Meacham  Strowbridge  sent  with  her  regrets  the  following 
poem  by  Elwyn  Irving  Hoffman : 

THE  VISIONS  OF  THE  TRAIL 

BY  FLWYN   IRMNG   HOFFMAN 

Across  the  Desert,  parched  and  hot,  the  brown  trails  wind  away 
To  where — remote — the  ranges  tower,  and  purjDle  shadows  play. 
And  by  each  one  of  all  these  trails  wait  Death,  and  Thirst,  and  Pain ; 
For  many  men  will  go,  and  go ;  though  few  come  homie  again. 

The  cactus,  grim  and  ghostly,  points  its  finger  to  the  sky 
As  though  forewarned  of  tragedy,  and  how  men  gasp  and  die. 
The  gray  sand  folds,  and  then  refolds,  its  silent,  drifting  sheet, 
As  if  to  cover  bones  that  bleach  beneath  the  desert  heat. 

And  yet  the  long  brown  trails  remain,  nor  ever  fade  away ; 
Year  after  year,  by  boot  and  hoof,  ground  deeply  there  to  stay. 
And  in  the  heat-glare  hanging  o'er  their  windings  through  the  sand 
Fair  Visions  rise — and  fade — and  rise,  and  lure  with  beck'ning  hand. 

And  so  men  follow,  year  by  year,  these  Visions  of  the  Trail 
With  hearts  as  steadfast  as  was  his  who  sought  the  Holy  Grail ; 
And,  year  by  year,  they  pay  the  price ;   yet  staunchly  hold  their  way 
To  find  the  Dream  that  hides  beyond  where  purple  shadows  play ! 

On  October  27  Governor  Oddie  issued  the  following  proclamation : 

State  of  Nevada 
Executive  Department 
A  Proclamation  by  the  Governor  proclaiming  Saturday,  October  31,  1914,  the 
semicentennial  anniversary  of  the  admission  of  Nevada  into  the  Union,  as  a 
public  holiday. 

Whereas,  On  the  31st  day  of  October,  1864,  the  State  of  Nevada  was 
admitted  to  the  Union  by  proclamation  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  President  of  the 
United  States;   and 


4  The  Cclehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

Whereas.  On  such  day  the  people  of  Nevada  assumed  the  burden  of  State- 
hood in  order,  among  other  purposes,  to  insure  the  three-fourths  vote  of  the 
States  of  the  Union  necessary  to  secure  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  to  the 
Constitution  abolishing  slavery  ;   and 

Whebeas,  Saturday,  the  31st  day  of  October,  1914,  will  be  the  fiftieth  anni- 
versary of  that  most  momentous  event  in  the  history  of  this  State : 

Now,  therefore,  I,  Tasker  L.  Oddie,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Nevada,  by  the 
authority  in  me  vested,  hereby  proclaim  Saturday,  October  31,  1914,  a  public 
holiday  to  be  observed  throughout  the  State  by  the  cessation  of  all  public  busi- 
ness and  to  be  devoted  to  public  exercises  commemorative  of  that  great  historical 
event  and  the  illustrious  character,  national  and  state,  of  those  who  partici- 
pated in  the  admission  of  Nevada  into  the  Union. 

I  further  recommend  that  such  anniversary  be  signalized  by  the  organization 
of  a  Society  of  Nevada  Pioneers  to  enroll  the  names  and  biographies  of  the 
pioneer  citizens  of  this  State,  and  that  all  records  and  matters  appertaining 
thereto  be  kept  for  the  use  and  inspection  of  the  public  in  the  archives  of  the 
Nevada  Historical  Society. 


Gov.  Blasdel— 1869 


Go  7.  Oddie— 1914 


In  Witness  Whereof.  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  to  be  affixed 
the  Great  Seal  of  the  State  of  Nevada.  Done  at  Carson  City,  this  27th  day  of 
October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1914. 

TASKER  L.  ODDIE,  Governor. 
By  the  Governor :  George  Brodigan,  Secretary  of  State. 
By  J.  W.  Legate,  Deputy  Secretary. 

RESOLUTION  No.  270 

It  is  hereby  resolved  by  the  City  Council  of  the  City  of  Reno,  at  its  reguhir 
meeting  held  this  12th  day  of  October,  A.  D.  1914,  that  the  citizens  of  this  city 
be,  and  they  are  hereby,  invited  and  requested  to  participate  in  the  semicen- 
tennial celebration  of  the  admission  of  Nevada  into  the  United  States  of 
America,  to  be  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Nevada  Historical  Society,  at 
the  University  of  Nevada,  on  the  dates  of  October  29,  30,  and  31,  1914. 

Passed  and  adopted  by  the  following  vote  of  the  City  Councilmen,  to  wit: 

Ayes — Councilmen  Frank,  Steflfes,  Frisch,  Nelson.  Twaddle. 

Nays — None.    Absent — None. 

Approved  this  12th  day  of  October,  1914. 

F.  J.  SHAIR,  Mayor. 

Attest :  J.  R.  Parry,  City  Clerk. 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada \s  Semicentennial  of  Statehood  5 

The  program  as  finally  arranged  by  the  Committee  of  the  Whole, 
was  as  follows : 

PROGRAM  OF  THE 

SEMICENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION  OF  NEVADA  STATEHOOD,  1914 

Thursday,  October  29 
In  the  afternoon:    Pageant  of  Nevada  History  on  the  Mackay  Athletic  Field 
at  1 :30  o'clock. 

In  the  evening:    Costume  Ball,  8:30  o'clock, 

Friday,  October  30 

At  noon :  Luncheon  for  Pioneers  and  their  friends,  followed  by  early  day 
reminiscences  and  the  organization  of  a  Nevada  Pioneer  Society,  auxiliary  to 
the  Nevada  Historical  Society. 

In  tl^e  afternoon:  Nevada  Day  exercises  in  the  Public  Schools.  Open 
house  and  reception  at  the  Elks'  Home.  Open  house  at  the  Reno  Commercial 
Club. 

In  the  evening :    Shriners'  entertainment  at  the  Majectic  Theater. 

Saturday,  October  31 

In  the  morning:  Exhibition  of  the  original  "Old  Glory"  flag  and  recital  of 
its  history  by  the  daughter  of  the  man  who  christened  it,  at  the  Nevada  His- 
torical Building  at  10  o'clock.    Open  house  at  Y.  M.  C.  A.  after  9  :30  o'clock. 

In  the  afternoon :  Football  game,  Barbarians  vs.  University  of  Nevada, 
Mackay  Athletic  Field. 

In  the  evening:  Shriners'  entertainment  at  the  Majestic  Theater,  patriotic 
selections. 

Sunday,  November  1 

Union  services  of  a  patriotic  nature  by  all  the  religious  organizations  in  the 
city  at  a  place  to  be  designated  later. 

It  was  carried  out  very  nearly  as  advertised.  An  account  of  the  chief 
historical  events  follows  in  chronological  order : 

THE  PAGEANT  OF  NEVADA  HISTORY  IN  CELEBRATION  OF  THE 
SEMICENTENNIAL  OF  NEVADA  STATEHOOD 

THE   PAGENT   DIRECTION 

Author  and  Manager  of  Pageant — Miss  Jeanne  Elizabeth  Wier. 
Assistant  Manager — Miss  Estelle  Prouty. 
Dramatic  Director — Mr.  C.  F.  Durand. 
Musical  Director — Mr.  C.  F.  Durand. 

In  charge  of  chorus — Mr.  John  Villa. 

Piano  Accompanist — Miss  Nan  Coon. 

Soloists — Mrs.  E^  F.  Lunsford ;  Messrs.  J.  B.  O'Sullivan,  August  Froh- 

lich,  Ray  Penry,  and  Jos.  Enos. 
Band  Music  furnished  by  the  Sparks,  Stewart  Indian  School,  and  Univer- 
sity Bands. 

Sparks   band  directed  by  Rev.  Goodsell. 

University  band  directed  by  Major  Dorsey. 

Bugler — Mr.  Philip  Krall. 
Director  of  Dances — Miss  Elsie  Sameth;    Mrs.  N.  E.  Wilson,  Director  of 

Minuet. 
Director  of  Costumes — Mrs.  M.  B.  Cushman  of  San  Francisco. 
Director  of  Stage  Setting — Mr.  Glen  Hurst. 

Designer  of  banners  representing  seals  and  maps — Miss  Jessie  Hylton. 
In  charge  of  Megaphone — Rev.  Harry  Sheldon  and  F.  R.  Pargellis. 
Scene  Shifter— Mr.  E.  F.  Faber. 
Property  Men — Messrs.  E.  F.  Faber  and  L.  Smither. 


6  The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  NEVADA  PAGEANT 

The  pageant  of  Nevada  history  presents  in  dramatic  form  the  history 
of  this  State  from  the  Spanish  period  of  the  government  of  New  Spain 
to  the  present  time.  It  is  a  series  of  living  moving  pictures  in  which 
the  romantic  past  is  revived.  For  some  years  the  Nevada  Historical 
Society  officers  have  had  in  mind  the  giving  of  such  a  pageant  in  the 
semicentennial  year.  But  nothing  had  been  accomplished  toward  the 
writing  or  other  organization  of  the  work.  Therefore  when  Reno 
arranged  for  a  July  carnival  in  the  summer  of  1914  and  a  few  weeks 
previous  to  the  event  invited  the  Historical  Society  to  give  its  pageant, 
very  hurried  and  inadequate  preparations  were  made.  The  play  was 
given  at  night  on  the  Mackay  Athletic  Field  at  the  University  of 
Nevada.  This  field  is  a  natural  amphitheater  and  has  a  splendid  grand- 
stand on  the  south  side,  the  training  quarters  being  located  on  the  north 


j 

^^^^^^^^^v^ 

mm^-' 

^K      itt.*,i 

ifc_L.        "     "^ 

^^^^^m 

Piiitt^''*^-- ''  '■■ 

"tU 

The  Mackay  Athletic  Field,  showing  training  quarters  at  rignt 

side  of  the  field.  Here,  as  well  as  in  the  University  gymnasium,  dress- 
ing rooms  were  provided.  The  athletic  field  is  a  large  grass  plot  with  a 
wide  cinder  track  around  the  outer  circumference.  Across  the  middle 
of  this  field  extending  from  east  to  west  a  bank  of  pine  trees,  brought 
from  the  Sierra  for  this  occasion,  were  set  up  to  form  a  background. 
An  Indian  Campoodie  and  a  log  cabin  together  with  improved  thrones 
completed  the  scenery.  Myriads  of  electric  lights  among  the  trees  gave 
the  appearance  of  a  veritable  fairy  land  while  huge  searchlights,  oper- 
ated from  the  top  of  the  grand-stand,  lighted  that  part  of  the  field  which 
was  used  as  a  stage.  Because  of  the  wide  stretch  of  cinder  track  which 
was  not  available  for  our  use,  but  Avhich  intervened  between  the  audi- 
ence and  the  actors,  the  effect  was  chiefly  dependent  upon  pantomime, 
dancing,  and  symbolic  costuming.  The  latter  was  particularly  good, 
having  been  worked  out  by  a  professional  costumer.    The  dancing  was 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada^ s  Semicentennial  of  Statehood  7 

exquisite  and  unusually  effective.  Lantern  slides  and  megaphone  calls 
and  banners  were  used  in  addition  to  printed  programs  to  further 
interpret  the  scenes.  One  of  the  three  largest  audiences  ever  assembled 
in  the  State  of  Nevada  witnessed  the  execution  of  the  pageant.  Not 
only  the  grand-stand  but  the  banks  of  the  amphitheater  were  packed 
with  spectators,  and  on  the  rim  beyond  and  above  were  hundreds  of 
automobiles  with  late  comers  who  could  find  no  other  place  to  view  the 
spectacle. 

Yet  many  of  the  townspeople  and  all  the  University  members  were 
absent  from  Reno  on  vacation  trips.  Many  requests  were  made  for  a 
repetition  of  the  pageant  and  it  was  therefore  deemed  wise  in  planning 
for  the  semicentennial  celebration  in  Admission  Day  week  to  include 
the  pageant  in  the  program.  The  lateness  of  the  season  made  advis- 
able a  daytime  exhibition  which  necessitated  considerable  change  in 
arrangements.  This  time  the  manager  of  the  Majestic  Theater,  who  is 
also  a  patriotic  member  of  the  Historical  Society,  undertook  to  arrange 


The  G-rand-Stand  at  the  Mackay  Athletic  Field 

a  stage  setting  by  means  of  a  huge  theater  curtain  with  pine  trees  at 
each  end.  This  proved  very  effective.  But  the  weather  was  inaus- 
picious. All  morning  the  sky  was  overcast  and  before  the  pageant  Avas 
nearly  over  in  the  afternoon,  a  cold  wind  and  rain  set  in  which  drove 
many  of  the  spectators  from  their  places.  Yet  both  this  and  the 
previous  rendition  were  pronounced  successful.  Both  were  brilliant 
spectacles  and  both  betokened  the  growth  of  community  spirit  in  the 
hundreds  of  participants  from  all  classes  and  creeds.  Many  of  the 
actors  had  either  lived  through  the  original  of  the  scenes  enacted  or 
were  descendants  of  these  Pioneers  w^ho  had.  Thus  was  gained  the 
realization  that  our  growth  as  a  State  had  been  rapid  as  well  as  our 
birth  a  labored  one.  The  strong  vital  feeling  of  relationship  to  the- 
pioneer  days  is  the  greater  because  we  of  today  can  reach  out  and  even 
touch  those  who  made  the  early  history  of  the  Commonwealth.  The 
pageant  gave  a  vivid  conception  of  our  historical  origin  and  of  its  sig- 
nificance.    Still  the  greater  emphasis  w^as  upon  the  building  of  the 


8  The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

State  in  its  various  communities  and  institutions  and  upon  its  relation 
to  the  National  Government.  It  did  not  forget  to  show  the  vital  modern 
forces  of  our  life  and  growth,  nor  did  it  forget  to  look  to  the  future  in 
forecasting  an  even  more  self-reliant  and  socialized  people  in  a  more 
permanently  prosperous  physical  state.  Truly  the  pageant  may  be 
termed  "a  prayer  of  inspiration,"  for  it  points  to  a  finer  and  more 
democratic  life  than  we  have  yet  known. 

In  the  construction  of  the  Nevada  pageant,  hurried  and  imperfect  as 
it  was,  thought  was  had  to  historical  accuracy.  Wherever  possible,  real 
historical  scenes  of  casual  importance  were  enacted  and  sometimes  the 
exact  words  were  quoted.  When  dramatic  effect  necessitated  a  modifi- 
cation, the  inaccuracy  was  corrected  in  the  historical  explanations. 
Sj^mbolic  scenes  expressive  of  general  conditions  depicted  the  undra- 
matic  periods  which  were  yet  necessary  to  give  the  connection  and 
perspective. 


Grand-Stand,  Bleachers,  and  Banks  of  Amphitheater  at  Mackay  Athletic  Field 

Except  in  its  local  features  this  pageant  lays  no  claim  to  originality, 
but  is  based  upon  previous  ones  too  numerous  to  mention.  Only  so 
could  it  have  been  struck  off  in  a  breath,  as  it  were,  in  the  pressing 
hurried  life  of  the  frontier.  If,  through  reliving  the  history  of  their 
State,  the  people  of  this  community  shall  have  revealed  to  them  more 
clearly  the  significance  of  their  past  and  come  to  glory  in  it,  if  they 
shall  develop  more  deeply  the  idea  of  community  betterment,  if  thereby 
they  shall  feel  more  strongly  their  debt  to  the  country  at  large  and 
experience  a  larger  national  pride,  if  thereby  they  shall  be  spurred  to 
greater  efforts  to  develop  their  natural  and  spiritual  resources,  the 
drama  of  the  desert  and  of  the  camp  will  not  have  been  in  vain.^ 

^The  pageant  material  is  printed  in  detail  with  the  hope  that  it  may  prove  helpful  to  teachers 
and  other  community  leaders  in  staging  bits  of  Nevada  history  in  various  places  in  the  State. 

Unfortunately  few  pictures  were  taken  of  the  pageant.  The  flashlights  taken  at  the  evening 
program  were  not  wholly  successful  and  the  cloudy  weather  which  prevailed  during  the  daylight 
rendition  in  October  prevented  the  taking  of  views  at  that  time.  The  real  historical  illustrations 
which  are  used  herewith  may  aid  in  revivifying  the  scenes. 


'The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicoitcnnial  of  Statehood  9 

Synopsis  of  Pageant 

Episode  I — Introduction 

Scene  I — Herald  announces  the  pageant;    Clio,  Muse  of  History;    Dance  of 

Imagination. 
Scene  II — The  Spanish  Court  and  New  Spain. 
Scene  III — English  Court  and  New  Spain. 

Episode  II — Discovery  and  Exploration 
Scene  I — Allegorical :    The  Struggle  between  the  Spirit  of  the  Desert  and  the 

Spirit  of  Civilization  for  control  of  Nevada. 
Scene  II — Primitive  Indians  and  the  Spanish  Exploration  and  Missionary  Work 

in  Southern  Nevada. 
Scene  III— American  Trappers  and  Explorers:    Kit  Carson,  Fremont,  Walker, 
Donner  Party. 

Episode  III — Early  Settlement 
Mexican  Cession ;   Mormon  Station ;  "Snowshoe  Thompson"  ;   Pony  Express ; 
Hank  Monk  and  Horace  Greeley ;  the  "601"  and  Lucky  Bill. 

Episode  IV — Pre-Statehood  Period 
Scene  I — Discovery  of  the  Comstock ;   Christening  of  Virginia  ;   first  telegraph, 

saw  mill,  grist  mill. 
Scene  II — Indian  War ;   Dance  of  Flaming  Spirit  of  War. 
Scene  III — Territorial  Government ;  Reception  of  Governor  Nye,  Orion  Clemens 

and  Mark  Twain. 
Scene  IV — Civil  War ;   Boys  leave  for  war. 

Scene  V — Sanitary  Commission  Fund:    Sale  of  Gridley  sack  of  flour.     Presen- 
tation of  original   sack  of  flour  by  Mrs.   Josephine  Gridley  Wood  and 
acceptance  by  Governor  Oddie  and  President  Chief  Justice  Talbot. 
Scene  VI — Return  of  Nevada  boys  from   Civil   War;    Tribute  to   Civil   War 
Veterans  by  Uncle  Sam. 

Episode  V — Statehood 
Columbia  receives  Nevada  into  the  Union  when  the  latter  is  presented  by 
Abraham  Lincoln:  Nye  and  Stewart  leave  for  Washington  as  first  U.  S.  Sen- 
ators from  Nevada ;   ratification  of  the  13th  Amendment ;   death  of  Lincoln. 

Episode  VI — "Bonanza  Period" 
Beginnings  of  Reno;    First  Railroad;    Mining  Excitement  in  Virginia  City; 
The  "Big  Four"  ;   Sutro  Tunnel. 

Episode  VII — Allegorical — Period  of  Depression 
Dance  of  Glooms :  Spirit  of  Pageantry  raises  Nevada  from  depression ;    dis- 
covery of  Tonopah  and  Goldfield;    Stock  Exchange. 

Episode  VIII — Present  Condition  and  Outlook  for  Future 
Scene  I — Contribution  of  Nations  as  seen  in  Folk  Dances;    Mercury.  God  of 
Invention  and  Mining;    Ceres,  Goddess  of  Agriculture;    Religion.  Educa- 
tion and  other  activities. 
Scene  II — Spirit  of  Future  Chooses  between  Nevada's  resources  :  Water  Power ; 

Mines;  Fields;   Dance  of  the  Future. 
Scene  III — Final  Review  of  the  Pageant  by  Columbia,  Nevada,  and  Europe: 
Procession  gathers  around   Spirit  of  Civilization;    tribute  to  Pioneers; 
"America." 

Program  of  Music 

1.  Band — Prelude  and  processional  march. 

2.  Band — Spanish  March. 

3.  Solo — Spanish  National  Song,  Mr.  Enos. 

4.  Band — English  March. 

5.  Solo— "Drink  to  Me,"  Mr.  August  Frohlich. 


10         The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

6.  Band  and  Chorus — Star-Spangled  Banner. 

7.  Band — Rogues  March. 
S.  Fiddler— Virginia  Reel. 

9.  War  March — University  Band. 

10.  Band— "Old  John  Brown." 

11.  Band  and  Chorus — "Tenting  on  the  Old  Camp  Ground." 

12.  Band  and  Chorus — "Columbia." 

13.  Solo — "My  Own  Nevada,"  Mrs.  E.  F.  Lunsford. 

14.  Baud — Funeral  March. 

15.  Fiddler— "Old  Dan  Tucker." 

16.  "Hard  Times  Come  Again  No  More,"  Mr.  Ray  Penry. 

17.  Solo— "Silver  State,"  Mr.  J.  B.  O'Sullivan. 

IS.  Band — Chorus,  Pageanteers  and  Audience :  "America." 

Program  of  Dances 

1.  Dance  of  Imagination — Fairies  and  Queen. 

2.  Spanish  Court  Dance — Attendants  of  Spanish  Court. 

3.  English  Court  Dance — Minuet,  Attendants  of  English  Court. 

4.  Dance  of  Civilization — Spirit  of  Civilizaton. 

5.  Native  Indian  Dance — Primitive  Indians. 

G.  Virginia  Reel — Pioneers  at  Mormon  Station. 
7.  Sword  Dance — ^^Flaming  Spirit  of  War. 
S.  Old  Dan  Tucker — Pioneers  at  Virginia  City. 
9.  Dance  of  the  Glooms — The  Glooms  in  Period  of  Depression. 
10.  Folk   Dances — French.    Scotch,    Irish,    Swedish,    Danish   and   Dutch: 
representing  contributions  of  nations  to  Nevada. 

Episode  I — Introduction 
Scene  I — General  Procession 
A  general  procession  of  all  pageanteers  across  the  field  from  right  to  left 
prepares  the  mind  of  the  spectator  for  the  rapid  succession  of  scenes  that 
follow  and  at  the  same  time  displays  the  magnificence  and  variety  of  the  cos- 
tumes of  the  various  groups,  from  the  gorgeous  colors  of  the  Spanish  and  Eng- 
lish courts,  the  brilliant  uniforms  of  the  king's  soldiers  and  the  flaming  Indian 
garments  to  the  sober  garb  of  the  friars  and  the  desert  prospectors  and  settlers. 

ORDER  OF  PROCESSION 

Symbolic  figure  with  State  flag.  Herald.  Band.  Clio.  Banner,  "'Muse  of 
History."  Chorus.  Fairies.  Banner,  "Founding  of  New  Spain."  Soldiers 
(Spanish).  Queen  Isabella.  Emperor  Charles.  Pages.  Ladies  in  Waiting. 
Gentlemen  in  Waiting.    Court  dancers.    Cortez  and  Indians. 

Banner,  "English  Court  receives  treasures  from  New  Spain."  Soldiers  (Eng- 
lish). Queen  Elizabeth.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh.  Pages.  Ladies  in  Waiting.  Gen- 
tlemen in  Waiting.    Court  dancers.     Sir  Francis  Drake  with  soldiers. 

Banner,  "Desert  and  Civilization."  Spirit  of  Desert.  Mountains.  Forests. 
Rivers.    Valleys.    Spirit  of  Civilization. 

Banner,  "Native  Nevadans."    Indians. 

Banner,  "Spain  in  Southern  Nevada."  Spanish  soldiers.  Friars.  Flag. 
Cross.  Spanish  soldiers.  Indians.  Banner,  "Donner  Party."  Banner,  "Trap- 
pers and  Explorers."    Fremont  Party. 

Banner,  "Early  Settlement."  Banner,  "Map  Upper  California  in  New  Spain." 
Courier.  Banner,  "Map  Mexican  Cession."  Banner,  "Western  Utah."  "Ban- 
ner. "Ragtown."    Banner,  "Mormon  Station."  Mormon  Station  People. 

Snowshoe  Thompson.  Prairie  Schooner.  Pony  Express.  Hank  Monk — 
Horace  Greeley  in  stage  coach.  Lucky  Bill  and  "601."  Fiddler.  Populace  for 
Virginia  Reel. 

Banner.  "Pre-Statehood  Period."  Banner,  "Comstock."  Miners.  Banner, 
"Virginia."    Old  Virginia  with  bottle. 


The  Celebration  of  Ncvada^s  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         11 

Bamier,  "Devil's  Gate  Toll  Road."  Telegraph.  Saw  Mill.  Grist  Mill.  Gam- 
blers.   Comstock  childreu,  etc. 

Bauuer,  "Indian  War."  Flaming  Spirit  of  War.  Indians  in  War  Costume. 
Soldiers.    Chief  Winnemucoa. 

Banner,  "Territorial  Government."  Banner,  "Territorial  Seal."  Stage  coach 
with  Governor  Nye  and  party.    Hay  wagon. 

Banner,  "Civil  War."  Soldiers.  Women  with  flag.  Banner,  "Sale  of  Grid- 
ley  Sack  of  Flour."  Band.  Herrick  with  hat  and  cane.  Small  boy  with  flag. 
Gridley  with  flour.  Two  men  with  flags.  Man  with  sponge.  Man  with  broom. 
Populace.  Banner.  "$4,000  in  Austin."  Banner,  "Army  of  Lord."  Banner, 
"Gold  Hill,  etc."  Banner,  "$6,750  in  Gold  Hill."  Banner,  "Dayton,  $1,847.50." 
Banner,  "Pacific  Coast,  $63,000."  Banner,  "U.  S.,  $275,000."  Bartender.  Auc- 
tioneer.   Innkeeper. 

Soldiers  in  battered  condition.    Veterans. 

Banner.  "Statehood."  Banner,  "Constitutional  Convention  of  1863."  Ban- 
ner. -Enabling  Act,  1864."  Banner,  "Constitutional  Convention  of  1864."  Ban- 
ner, "Proclamation  of  Nevada  Statehood."  Banner,  "Nevada  State  Seal."  Colum- 
bia with  attendants.  Float  with  Nevada  (Mrs.  Lunsford)  and  Lincoln.  Banner, 
"To  Washington."  Stewart  and  Nye.  Banner,  "Ratification  of  13th  Amend- 
ment.   Goddess  of  Liberty.    Lincoln  and  Slave. 

Banner,  "Bonanza  Period."  Banner,  "Reno,  End  of  Track."  First  Locomo- 
tive. Miners  and  Pioneers  of  Virginia  City.  Banner,  "Belcher,  $1,400."  Banner, 
"Savage,  $700."  Banner,  "Con.  Virginia."  "Big  Four."  Banner,  "Sutro  Tun- 
nel." Pioneers  gambling  and  dancing.  Bamier,  "Demonetization  of  Silver." 
Banner.  "Depression."    The  Glooms.    Nevada.     Spirit  of  Pageantry. 

Banner.  "Remonetization  of  Silver.'  Banner,  "Tonopah."  Jim  Butler  and 
Burro.  Banner.  "Goldfleld."  Stock  Exchange.  Banner,  "Present  Outlook." 
Banner,  "Contribution  of  Nations."  Folk  dancers.  Mercury.  Ceres  and  atten- 
dants. Floats  from  business  houses.  Float  from  churches.  Emblem  of  frater- 
nal orders.  Banner,  "Education."  Kindergarten  children.  Fire  of  Knowledge. 
Alma  Mater.  Arts.  Sciences.  Float  from  Mining  School.  Float  from  Agricul- 
tural School.  Men's  Glee  Club.  Banner,  "Spirit  of  Future."  Spirit  of  Future. 
Dancers. 

Scene  II — Herald  and  Band  Announces  Pageant 
Cast  of  Characters: 

Symbolic  figure  carrying  state  flag — Dr.  R.  Adams. 

Herald — Mr.  Leonesia. 

Clio — Miss  Marjorie  Goodrich. 

Attendant  of  Clio— Miss  Maud  Wallin. 

Queen  of  Fairies — Miss  Eleanor  Turley. 

Fairies  —  College  women:  The  Misses  Isabel  Bertschy,  Elsie  Humphrey, 
Thelma  Johnson,  Dorothy  Morrison,  Claire  Rulison,  Gladys  Rjder.  Selma 
Sielafi:',  Dorris  Taylor,  Georgia  Young,  Ruth  McKissick,  Marjorie  Cowgm, 
Ruth  Miller. 

The  pageant  opens  with  a  symbolic  figure  bearing  the  state  flag.  A  richly 
gowned  herald,  with  bugle,  rides  onto  the  field  on  a  horse  with  splendid  trap- 
pings. He  is  followed  by  Clio,  the  muse  of  history,  with  her  attendants,  who 
bear  an  appropriate  banner.  Then  comes  the  brass  band  playing  and  the  chorus 
of  singers.  When  they  arrive  at  the  center  of  the  field  the  band  music  ceases, 
the  herald  blows  his  bugle  and  the  following  recitative  is  spoken : 

Ye  who  would  learn  the  glory  of  your  past 
And  form  a  forecast  of  the  things  to  be 

Give  heed  to  this,  Nevada's  trumpet  blast. 
And  see  her  pictured  life  in  pageantry. 

The  herald  then  rides  from  the  field  and  the  band  and  singers  march  to  seats 
at  left  of  field  while  Clio  is  escorted  to  her  throne. 


12         The  Celebration  of  Nevada \'i  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


T/ir  (^rh  htufiion  of  Xt  v<t(hf\s  S(  iiiict  ith  )ini(il  of  Staff  hood  13 


14         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

The  fairies  dressed  in  gray  and  green  with  bright  colored  scarfs  dart  out 
in  troops  and  having  performed  their  Dance  of  Imagination  disappear  as  silently 
as  they  came. 

Scene  III — Historical  Setting — The  Founding  of  New  Spain  in  America 

Historical  Note — This  scene  is  not  historically  accurate  but  gives  in  condensed  form  the  con- 
ception of  relationship  of  the  Southwest  to  Spain  in  the  Sixteenth  Century.  As  a  result  of  the 
work  of  Columbus,  Americus  Vespucius,  Ojeda,  Pinzon,  Nicuesa,  Ponce  de  Leon,  Balboa,  de  Soto, 
Cortez,  Magellan,  Pizarro  and  others,  all  of  Southern  North  America,  Central  America,  and 
nearly  all  of  Northern  South  America  was  held  and  governed  by  Spain  in  the  time  of  Charles  V. 
Cortez  in  1521  conquered  the  Aztec  Empire  in  Mexico.  During  the  next  three  years  he  sent  out 
expeditions  to  explore  and  occupy  and  colonize  the  territories  both  to  the  north  and  south  of 
Mexico  and  thus  brought  under  the  dominion  of  New  Spain  a  vast  extent  of  country.  In  1522  in 
recognition  of  his  services  he  was  made  governor  and  captain-general  of  New  Spain  by  Charles  V. 
But  jealous  and  disappointed  officials  gained  the  ear  of  the  Emperor,  impressing  upon  him  the 
idea  that  Cortez  was  ambitious  for  an  empire  of  his  own.  Owing  to  these  machinations  and 
intrigues,  Cortez  was  forced  to  resign  his  offices  and  return  to  Spain  in  1528  to  exonerate  himself 
before  his  sovereign.  He  resolved  to  strengthen  himself  and  his  story  by  the  presentation  of 
splendid  gifts.  He  was  received  with  wild  demonstrations  and  great  honors  were  heaped  upon 
him  at  court.  In  July,  1529,  he  was  given  twenty-two  towns  in  New  Spain  with  vassals  and 
lands  and  full  jurisdiction,  as  well  as  the  two  palaces  of  Montezuma.  The  title  of  Marques  and 
the  title  and  authority  of  Captain-General  of  New  Spain  and  provinces  and  Coasts  of  the  South 
Sea  were  also  conferred  upon  him  with  power  to  appoint  and  remove  lieutenants.  This  was,  after 
all,  small  compensation  for  the  great  services  and  vast  conquests  made  without  cost  to  the  Crown. 

Columbus  and  Isabella  were  dead  at  the  time  of  this  scene.  But  it  was  because  of  them  that 
New  Spain  now  existed  and  was  the  leading  Spanish  colony  in  the  Indies. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Columbus — Mr.  L.  B.  Fowler. 

Queen  Isabella — Mrs.  F.  M.  Lee. 

Emperor  Charles — Judge  Cole  Harwood. 

Cortez — Mr.  Thomas  E.  Kepner. 

Ladies  in  Waiting — Mrs.  U.  M.  Slater,  Mrs.  Harry  Gosse,  Mrs.'  H.  E.  Reid, 
Mrs.  A.  E.  Turner. 

Gentlemen  in  Waiting — Messrs.  S.  Unsworth,  Elwood  Bane,  J.  Delaney. 

Pages — Caryl  Reid,  Adele  Clemens,  Danny  Senseney,  Gwendolyn  Wheeler. 

Spanish  Soldiers  and  Sailors — Messrs.  Jos.  Enos,  H.  Keating,  E.  J.  Andru- 
cetti,  C.  Dormio,  W.  J.  Doering,  C.  B.  Robb. 

Indians — Mrs.  C.  F.  Durand  and  native  Indians. 

Court  Dancers — The  Misses  Damon,  Elsie  and  Erma  Herz,  Hylton,  Parry, 
Marzen,  Shade,  Games,  Henry,  La  Ranger,  Means,  Reagan,  Reilly,  Sawyer, 
Sheldon,  Tinney,  Miller,  and  Mrs.  Doane ;  Messrs.  Engle,  Lawrence  and 
Oliver  Layman,  Organ,  Rice,  Axt,  Butler,  Ferris,  Shannon,  Smithers, 
Spooner,  Tilton,  Glass,  Park,  and  Sanders. 

This  scene  represents  the  Spanish  sovereigns  presenting  a  commission  to 
Cortez. 

A  banner,  "Founding  of  New  Spain,"  announces  the  scene.^  The  band  plays 
while  Columbus  and  two  sailors  enter  and  ascend  a  small  throne  from  which 
Columbus  views  the  entire  pageant. 

Then  appear  four  Spanish  soldiers,  escorting  Queen  Isabella  in  her  gorgeous 
robes  of  white  and  purple  and  Emperor  Charles  in  royal  purple.  They  are 
accompanied  by  pages  and  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  waiting,  who  ascend  the 
throne  on  the  left  center  of  the  field.  These  are  followed  by  court  dancers. 
After  the  attendants  have  paid  obeisance  to  royalty,  Cortez,  dressed  in  black 
and  gold,  enters  with  Indians  in  flowing  plumage  and  gaudy  ornaments.^  They 
all  bow  low  before  the  throne  and  Charles  commands  the  soldiers  to  escort 
Cortez  to  his  presence.  While  the  Indians  squat  around  the  base  of  the  throne, 
Cortez  ascends  and  kneels  at  the  feet  of  the  Queen.  Being  commanded  to  arise 
he  does  so  and  with  grace  and  dignity  presents  his  Indians  and  other  gifts  con- 
sisting of  curious  plants  and  heavy  cofCers  from  the  New  World,  and  then 
describes  the  country  and  his  achievements  therein  and  presents  a  memorial 

^Lantern  Slide:  "Columbus  returning  from  New  World." 

-Lantern  Slide :   "Cortez  presents  Indians  and  gifts  to  the  Queen  and  the  Emperor." 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         15 


P« 

too 

S3 

o 


16         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


The  Celrhration  of  Nivada's  ScmictntcHiiial  of  Statehood 


17 


coutaiiiiiijL;  dotnils  of  the  coiKiuest.'  Charles,  who  is  irreatly  iinpressetl  by  the 
story  and  >;ifts.  coiuniaiuls  Cortez  to  rise,  and  nnrollin.i;  a  commission  as 
Captain-General  he  presents  it  to  Cortez.  A  Spanish  j;entleman  then  sings  the 
Spanish  national  song,  after  which  tlie  dancers  execute  the  Spanish  Court  dance. 


Spanish  Court  in  Fall  Pageant 
Scene  IV — Historical  Setting— The  English  Court  and  New  Spain. 

Historical  Note — Although  England  always  resented  the  Papal  grant  of  the  New  World  to 
Spain  in  1493,  she  did  not  make  bold  to  openly  defy  the  monopoly  thus  established  until  the  Eliza- 
bethan Era,  when  a  sentiment  of  resistance  was  aroused  because  of  the  persecution  of  the 
Protestant  Netherlands  by  Philip  II.  Francis  Drake,  the  first  of  the  English  buccaneers,  made 
several  piratical  voyages  to  Spanish  coasts  in  1570-1580,  each  time  returning  with  much  treasure. 
In  the  fourth  expedition  he  sailed  through  the  Straits  of  Magellan  and  looted  the  Spanish  towns 
on  the  Pacific  Coast  of  South  America,  finally  capturing  a  richly  laden  galleon.  Being  afraid  to 
return  by  the  Straits  he  then  proceeded  in  his  ship,  the  Golden  Hind,  to  the  San  Francisco  coast 
where  he  planted  the  English  flag  and  thence  made  his  way  eastward  around  India  to  England. 
He  came  heavily  laden  with  gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Queen  Elizabeth — Miss  Tina  Becker. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh — Mr.  Ray  Penry. 

Sir  Francis  Drake — Mr.  August  Frohlich. 

Pages — Laverne  Means,  Eleanor  Trout. 

Ladies  in  Waiting — The  Misses  Ivy  Young,  Aileen  Gulling,  Margaret  Fulton, 

Ethel  Winger,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Browder. 
Gentlemen  in  Waiting — Messrs.  Boughton,  R.  C.  Nield,  C.  P.  Lyons,  Judge  Lee 

Davis. 
Soldiers — Messrs.  J.  P.  O'Brien,  James  Kennedy,  J.  R.  Plunkett,  F.  Byington. 
Court  Dancers — Mrs.  N.  E.  Wilson  and  the  Misses  Milo  Coffin,  Vera  Calhoun, 

Effie  Mack,  May  Mack,  Laverne  Saviers,  Gladys  Hofer.  and  Georgia  Young ; 

Messrs.  Fred  Harvey,  Claude  Saviers,  Jackson,  Stansli,  McKetehen.  Matt 

Dromiack,  Tom  Goodrich,  and  Sydney  Fowler. 
The  scene  represents  the  English  Court  receiving  the  stolen  treasures  from 
New  Spain. 


^Lantern  Slide:  "Cortez  made  Captain-General  of  New  Spain. 


18  .       The  Celehratiou  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         19 

A  banner,  "English  Court  Receives  Treasures  from  New  Spain,"  announces 
the  scene.  The  band  plays  while  Queen  Elizabeth  in  royal  robes  and  diadem, 
and  accompanied  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  her  devoted  admirer,  preceded  by 
soldiers  and  followed  by  pages  and  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  waiting,  approaches 
and.  after  due  ceremony,  ascends  the  throne  at  right  of  field.  Francis  Drake, 
garbed  in  rich  velvet  and  brocade,  with  his  soldiers  then  comes  upon  the  scene 
and,  bowing  low  before  Queen  Elizabeth,  places  his  gifts  at  her  feet.^  A  Spanish 
ambassador  comes  from  the  Spanish  Court  to  protest  against  her  acceptance  of 
the  stolen  treasures,  but  to  no  avail.  He  therefore  sadly  returns  to  the  Spanish 
Court  while  Drake  makes  no  effort  to  conceal  his  pleasure  at  the  discomfiture 
of  the  Spanish  nobleman.^.  He  then  unbuckles  his  sword  and,  kneeling,  presents 
it  to  the  Queen  who  looks  at  it  and  slowly  withdraws  the  sword  from  its  scab- 
bard and  with  it  knights  Francis'  and  commands  him  to  rise*  while  the  attendants 
applaud.  The  Court  is  then  seated  while  Sir  Francis  sings  a  stanza  of  "Drink 
to  me  only  with  thine  eyes*'  and  the  court  dancers  perform  the  minuet. 

Episode  II — Discovery  and  Exploration  of  Nevada 
Scene  I — Allegorical ;   Natural  Setting 
Cast  of  Characters: 

Spirit  of  the  Desert— Mr.  Chas.  Bull. 
Spirit  of  Civilization — Miss  Helen  Fulton. 
Mountains  and  Forests,  Rivers  and  Valleys — School  children. 
Mountains  and  Forests — Lyndall  Adams,  Margaret  Arthur,  Vivian  Arthur, 
Helen  Austin,  Marie  Campbell,  Marcella  Coots,  Ernest  Cobb,  Nellie  Cobb, 
Jack  Cunningham,  Opal  Cunningham,   Helen  Drummond,   Jessie  Emery, 
Muriel  Follin,  Lois  Frisbee,  Nell  Francis,  Mildred  Frisbee,  Edna  Frisch, 
George  Holey,  Marie  Grubnau,  Helen  Hecox,  Catherine  Kistler,  Lenore 
Nelson,  Oscar  Osmau,  George  O'Brien,  Jane  O'Sullivan,  Frances  Rausch, 
Ruth    Rothery,    Catherine    Schafer,    Francis    Shannon,    Bertie    Simpson, 
Genevieve  Smith,  Grace  Staley,  Agnes  Lahr,  George  Whitehead,  Dorothy 
Wittemar,  Georgina  Wolverton. 
Rivers — Beatrice  Brown,  Vivian  Brown,  Thelma  Ceander,  Gertrude  Clark, 
Frances  Dietrich,  Ruth  Foster,  Aileen  Freeman,  Ella  Lewis,  Ida  Lewis, 
Olive  Macaulay,  Elsie  Mitchell,  Evelyn  Nelson,  Helen  Organ,  Helen  Shaver, 
Ruth  Shaver,  Margaret  Short,  Marjory  W^ebb,  Isabel  Webb,  Elaine  Welty. 
Valleys — Hazel  Bacon,  Lulu  Bingham,  Magdaline  Bertschy,  Phyllis  Brown, 
Emily  Burke,  Halite  Cheatham,  Dorothy  Cousins,  Mary  Erringer,  Marjorie 
Goodwin,  Dorothy  Higgins,  Ailleen  Holmes,  Velma  Markwell,  Freda  Per- 
rin,  Aileen  Pond,  Eleanor  Turley,  Ruth  Wartman. 
The  scene  portrays  the  Desert  wrestling  with  Civilization  for  possession  of 
Nature  in  Nevada.     A  suitable  banner  and  a  crash  of  music  from  the  band 
announces  the  coming  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Desert  to  wrestle  with  the  Spirit 
of  Civilization  approaching  from  the  East.    The  Spirit  of  the  Desert  is  tall  and 
powerful  and  rough  in  manner.    His  legs  and  arms  and  head  are  bare.    His  hair 
is  long  and  shaggy,  the  color  of  the  sagebrush  in  which  he  is  clad.     He  comes 
sneaking   onto    the    field    and    threatens    with    his    huge    sagebrush    club    the 
sprites  who  appear  in  the  foreground.     Some  of  these  are  dressed  in  dark- 
green  robes  and  purple  veils  and  represent  Mountains.     Others  clad  in  brown 
and  green  and  bearing  branches  of  pine  and  oak   impersonate   the  Forests, 
and  still  others  draped  in  blue  shot  with  white  tell  of  the  Rivers,  while  behind 
them  appear  the  Valleys  in  light-green  draperies  with  flower  garlands.     All 
these  sprites  bow  before  the  desert,  but  the  Mountains  and  Forests  are  defiant 

'Lantern  Slide:  "Drake  returns  in  the  Golden  Hind  from  piratical  voyage,  having  taken 
much  treasure  from  the  Spaniard  which  he  presents  to  Queen  Elizabeth.  The  Spanish  ambas- 
sador protests  in  vain. 

-Lantern  Slide :  Queen  Elizabeth  says  :  "Francis  Drake,  we  entrusted  a  sword  to  thy  keeping 
till  we  demanded  it  of  thee  again,  We  now  command  thee  to  deliver  it  up,  in  the  manner  in 
which  thou  didst  receive  it  from  our  hands." 

^Megaphone :  "Knighting  of  Francis  Drake." 

^Megaphone :  "Rise,  Sir  Francis  Drake." 


20         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

In  spirit,  whereas  the  Rivers  and  Valleys  are  humble  supplicants.  Thus  is  the 
Desert  triumphant,  but  not  for  long.  The  Spirit  of  Civilization,  garbed  in 
shimmering  white  and  gold,  with  a  trumpet  calls  to  the  sprites  who  immedi- 
ately start  to  their  feet  but  again  quickly  fall  before  the  threatening  club  of 
the  Desert.  Then  ensues  the  contest  for  control  of  the  Sprites.  The  Spirit  of 
Civilization  through  the  subtle  influence  of  the  fairy  dance  wins  to  her  side 
the  Rivers  and  Valleys,  and  the  Desert  by  brute  force  holds  the  Mountains  and 
Deserts  for  his  own,  but  is  compelled  to  retreat  with  them  to  the  outskirts,  while 
Civilization  holds  the  center  of  the  field  and  in  turn  welcomes  the  first  human 
inhabitants  to  the  country. 


Spanish  Settlements  in  California 

Scene  II — The  Pre-Spanish  and  Spanish  Periods  of  Exploration  and  Occupation  ; 
Primitive  Indians ;  Spanish  Exploration  and  Missionary  Work  in  Southern 
Nevada. 

Historical  Note — During  the  period  of  exploration  and  settlement  by  the  Spanish  in  North- 
ern Mexico  and  Lower  California,  exploring  expeditions,  organized  in  the  hope  of  finding  other 
rich  cities  in  the  country  to  the  north,  went  from  Mexico  into  Alta  California  and  sometimes  into 
Arizona,  New  Mexico,  and  beyond.    At  least  a  few  of  these  expeditions  passed  through  Southern 


The  Ccichration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         21 

Nevada.     Father  Francisco  Garces  who  was  with  Colonel  Anza  in  1775-6  did  missionary  work 
among  Nevada  Indians- 

Ca.^t  of  Characters: 

Indians — Mrs.  F.  C.  Durand,  Miss  Fannie  Richardson,  and  real  Indians  led 

by  Mr.  Asbury  and  Mr.  Walter  Van  Enimon  and  Capt.  Bender. 
Spanish  Explorers  and  Friars — Knights  of  Columbus  led  by  Mr.  J.  J.  Burke : 
Messrs.  J.  Peters,  R.  H.  Carmody.  C.  H.  Leonesio,  T.  F.  Banigan,  J.  J. 
Rernan,  A.  J.  Mergen,  D.  J.  Krayenbuhl,  Jos.  Enos,  Frank  Byington,  Dr. 
E.  J.  Cunningham.   (In  the  second  pageant  Messrs.  S.  C.  Feemster  and 
L.  R.  Bronson  also  assisted.) 
This  scene  portrays  the  Spanish  Friars  converting  Nevada  Indians. 
A  banner  "Native  Nevadans"  announces  the  scene.     The  Indians  with  bow 
and  arrows  skulk  onto  the  field  from  both  sides  and  through  the  trees  at  the 
back.     After  bringing  down  their  game  they  build  a  fire  near  their  campoodie 
and  perform  a  native  dance  until  interrupted  by  the  sudden  appearance  of  two 
richly  dressed  Spanish  soldiers  carrying  the  Spanish  flag  and  followed  by  friars 
and  still  other  soldiers.     They  are  preceded  by  a  courier  carrying  a  banner 
"Spain  in  Southern  Nevada."     The  Indians  stealthily  yet  hurriedly  retreat  to 


Kit  Carson  and  Fremont 

the  trees  and  watch  the  intruders  closely  from  afar.     Their  movements  show 
suspicion  and  curiosity. 

Meanwhile  the  soldiers  and  friars  station  a  large  bell  in  the  center  of  the 
field  and  proceed  to  ring  it,  calling  thus  to  the  heathen  to  come  and  receive 
the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  Indians  one  by  one  creep  forward  enticed  by 
gifts  which  are  offered  them  by  the  friars  who  also  exhibit  rosaries.  Having 
gained  the  confidence  of  the  Indians  one  friar  draws  a  redskin  aside  together 
with  a  Spanish  soldier  and  signs  to  them  to  bring  a  large  cross  to  the  site  of 
the  bell.  They  quickly  return  with  the  cross  which  is  now  planted  by  the  friar 
while  all  kneel.  Then  he  raises  the  rosary  and  recites  a  prayer  after  which  all 
rise  and  the  soldiers  plant  the  Spanish  flag.  All  salute  the  flag  and  then  march 
off  the  field,  the  soldiers  and  friars  followed  by  the  now  subdued  Indians. 

Scene  III — American  Trappers  and  Explorers:  Fremont  Party. 

Historical  Note — Beginning  with  the  year  1825  fur  trappers  from  the  United  States  and 
Canada  began  to  penetrate  Nevada  by  way  of  the  Humboldt  River.  In  the  early  30's  Kit  Car- 
son was  here  as  trapper,  guide,  and  Indian  fighter,  and  for  him  Carson  River  was  named. 
When,  therefore,  the  United  States  government  in  1843  sent  Col.  Fremont  to  Oregon  and  the 
Great  Basin  on  an  exploring  expedition  Kit  Carson  was  employed  as  a  guide.  The  party  came 
from  Oregon  over  the  Sierra  in  December,  1843,  and  followed  down  the  east  side  of  the  moun- 
tains to  Pyramid  Lake,  thence  up  the  Truckee  and  across  to  the  Carson  and  Walker  rivers,  and 


22         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

finally  found  their  way  back  into  California  and  the  Sacramento  Valley  in  1844.     They  had  with 
them  a  small  howitzer  which  was  abandoned  in  the  mountains  near  Markleeville. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Kit  Carson — Mr.  Geo.  I.  James. 
Fremont — Dr.  J.  E.  Church,  Jr. 
Indians — Mr.  Walter  Van  Emmon  and  others. 

Trappers  and  Explorers — Messrs.  Edwin  Krall.  Harry  Skerry,  Glen  Engle, 
Phil  Cowgill,  Prin.  Smith,  and  Rev.  Harry  Sheldon. 


^S 


.A^' 


M.   I 


"California  and  New  Mexico,  including  the  present  Nevada,  thereby 
became  territories  of  the  Mexican  Republic' 

The  scene  represents  Fremont  and  his  party  searching  for  a  pass  into  Cali- 
fornia in  January,  1844. 

A  banner  "Fremont  Party"  gives  meaning  to  the  pantomime.  Fremont  with 
a  party  of  explorers  comes  on  the  field  dragging  a  small  cannon.     They  lead 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         23 


their  horses  onto  the  field  and  hobble  them,  then  proceed  to  build  a  camp-fire 
and  cook  a  meal.  After  supper  they  roll  up  in  their  blankets  for  the  night. 
Toward  morning  they  are  awakened  by  Indians,  who,  seeing  the  fire,  come  in 
from  the  woods  in  hope  of  securing  presents  of  food  and  clothing.  They  bring 
with  them  a  few  pounds  of  pine  nuts  which  Fremont  purchases,  thus  giving  these 
Americans  their  first  knowledge  of  the  nut  food  of  the  Washoes  and  Piutes. 
The  Indians  who  are  scantily  clothed  are  offered  presents  of  scarlet  cloth  if 
they  will  act  as  guides  across  the  mountains,  but  after  conferring  together  while 
they  look  at  the  offerings  wistfully,  they  point  to  the  snow  on  the  mountains 
and  draw  their  hands  across  their  necks,  and  raise  them  above  their  heads  to 
show  the  depth,  thus  signifying  that  it  is  impossible  to  get  through.  They  sign 
to  the  white  men  to  go  to  the  southward  over  a  lower  range.     One  native 


* 'Mexico  ceded  New  Mexico  and  Upper  California  to  the  United  States." 

finally  agrees  to  go  with  them.  Kit  Carson  examines  the  feet  of  the  horses 
now  totally  without  shoes  and  badly  cut  by  the  ice  and  rocks.  The  howitzer 
is  here  abandoned  and  having  made  the  best  preparation  possible  under  the 
circumstances,  the  party  starts  toward  California.  The  Indian  guide  though 
shivering  keeps  the  scarlet  cloth  tightly  rolled  to  protect  it  from  the  wet.  He 
soon  forsakes  the  party  and  sneaks  back  to  his  fellows,  who  all  now  vanish 
from  the  field,  while  a  banner  calls  to  mind  the  ill-fated  Donner  party. 

Episode  III— Early  Settlement 

Historical  Note — Through  a  series  of  revolutions  terminating  in  1821,  Mexico  became  inde- 
pendent of  Spain  and  soon  thereafter  was  changed  from  an  empire  into  a  republic.     California 


24 


The  Cclchration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


and  New  Mexico,  including  the  present  Nevada,  thereby  became  territories  of  the  Mexican  Repub- 
lic. At  the  close  of  the  Mexican  War  in  1848,  Mexico  ceded  New  Mexico  and  California  to  the 
United  States.  The  Compromise  Act  of  1850  organized  the  territory  of  Utah  inclusive  of  the 
larger  part  of  the  present  Nevada  and  Utah,  about  half  of  Colorado  and  smaller  portions  of  several 


1?       '  CXn.^.^*'^    /^ 


N      E      H      H       A      S 


-    *.  IN.'  •    ' 


"The  Compromise  Act  of  1850  organized  the  Territory  of  Utah." 

other  States.  Just  previous  to  this  addition  to  United  States  territory  the  Latter  Day  Saints  had 
settled  at  Great  Salt  Lake.  Offshoots  from  that  settlement  had  started  trading  stations  at  favor- 
able points  in  order  to  profit  from  the  California  travel  by  the  plains  route.  One  of  these  stations 
was  situated  at  the  base  of  the  Sierra  in  Carson  Valley,  and  was  known  as  Mormon  Station. 


The  Cehhration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         25 

Hei-e  was  located  the  first  permanent  house  erected  in  Nevada  and  here,  after  the  mines  were 
opened  up,  came  the  prospectors  to  barter  their  gold  dust  for  provisions.  At  first  the  mail  was 
carried  from  Sacramento  to  Mormon  Station  on  snowshoes  by  "Snowshoe  Thompson"  until  this 
crude  method  of  transportation  was  superseded  by  the  pony  express.  Hank  Monk  was  the  veteran 
staj^e  driver  who  took  Horace  Greeley  in  record  time  from  Carson  City  to  Placerville  where 
Greeley  was  to  deliver  a  lecture.  On  starting  Greeley  told  Hank  he  was  anxious  to  go  through 
quickly.  Hank  cracked  his  whip  and  started  at  a  terrible  pace.  The  stage  bounced  up  and  down 
in  such  a  way  as  to  jolt  the  buttons  off  Greeley's  coat,  whereupon  the  latter  cried  out  to  Hank  to 
go  easy  and  Hank  called  back,  "Keep  your  seat,  Horace,  and  I'll  get  you  there  on  time" — which 
he  did.  When  the  Mormons  abandoned  western  Utah  in  1856  the  country  was  left  practically 
without  government,  being  attached  to  Great  Salt  Lake  County  for  judicial  purposes.  While  the 
remaining  inhabitants  were  petitioning  Congress  for  a  territorial  government,  they  were  forced 
to  handle  the  problem  of  crime  as  best  they  could.  Finally  Probate  Judge  Childs  was  sent  to 
Mormon  Station.  The  hanging  of  Lucky  Bill  is  the  most  conspicuous  event  of  the  period.  He 
was  accused  and  convicted  of  cattle  stealing  and  murder. 


Mormon  Station  at  Genoa,  Western  Utah 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Snowshoe  Thompson — Dr.  J.  E.  Church. 

Hank  Monk — Mr.  Harry  Gosse  (Sen.  H.  W.  Huskey  in  second  pageant). 

Horace  Greeley — Judge  Geo.  Brown  (Prof.  Thompson  in  second  pageant). 

Lucky  Bill — Chas.  Eager. 

Emigrants  and  Early  Pioneers — Miss  Echo  Loder,  Mr.  Theodore  Clark  and 
family,  Mrs.  F.  G.  Hazlett.  Miss  Estelle  Pronty,  Mrs.  W.  D.  Trout,  Mrs. 
F.  G.  Patrick,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scott  Jamison,  Mr.  Barnum  and  cowboys. 

This  scene  depicts  life  in  the  first  permanent  settlement  in  Nevada. 

A  banner  "Early  Settlement"  introduces  the  scene.  A  courier  bearing  an 
American  flag  rides  in  hot  haste  onto  the  field,^  proclaiming  that  the  Mexican  War 
is  ended  and  that  Mexico  has  ceded  Upper  California^  to  the  United  States.'  All 
lights  are  extinguished  except  the  searchlight  which  covers  the  flag  at  front  of 
field  while  the  band  plays  "Star-Spangled  Banner." 

A  banner  inscribed  "Western  Utah"  locates  the  small  log  cabin  representing 
Mormon  Station*  in  western  Utah.^  Another  banner  gives  the  name  of  Mormon 
Station.  The  cabin  becomes  visible  at  edge  of  trees.  Snowshoe  Thompson  comes 
from  the  west  on  his  ski  is  bringing  mail  from  Sacramento  to  the  innkeeper.  Soon 
a  prairie  schooner  from  the  east  puts  in  an  appearance,  and  by  a  circuitous  route, 

^Megaphone :   "Mexican  War  ended  :    Mexico  cedes  Upper  California  to  the  United  States." 
^Lantern  Slide :  Map  of  Upper  California. 
"Lantern  Slide :  Map  of  Mexican  Cession. 
^Lantern  Slide  :  Picture  of  Mormon  Station. 
'Lantern  Slide :  Map  of  Utah  Territory. 


26         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

comes  around  to  the  cabin  door  where  some  of  its  occupants  alight,  apparently 
intent  on  remaining,  while  others  pursue  their  way  to  California  with  their  cows 
and  sheep,  box  of  chickens,  and  cooking  utensils  loaded  within  and  following  on 
behind.  As  the  Pioneers  sit  in  the  dooryard  playing  cards,  prospectors  come  with 
gold  dust  to  buy  supplies  at  the  Station.  Then  appears  the  first  pony  express 
rider^  speeding  like  the  wind  on  a  splendid  horse.  As  he  comes  crashing  up  to  the 
Station  two  men  hold  a  fresh  impatient  steed  and  the  transfer  of  rider  and  mail 
bag  is  quickly  made  and  away  they  fly  out  of  sight  in  a  twinkling.  A  little  later 
Horace  Greeley^  comes  in  sight  driven  by  Hank  Monk  in  the  old  Placerville  stage 
coach.  Greeley  is  wildly  shouting,^  "Go  easy,  Hank,  go  easy,"  while  the  driver 
replies,  "Keep  your  seat,  Horace,  I'll  get  you  there  on  time."  They  soon  disappear 
from  sight.  Next  enter  the  "601"  or  Vigilance  Committee  of  Virginia  City  and 
arrest  the  gambler  "Lucky  Bill'  from  the  cabin.*  As  Bill  is  lassoed  and  thrown 
and  dragged  from  the  field  the  band  plays  the  Rogues  March.  Then  the  Pioneers 
at  the  cabin  dance  the  Virginia  Reel  and  all  disappear. 


1 

^::.-.:i|l 

^^-— p--^-^-^— ?^^MB|B 

^^^BB^S^B— ^^^^^^m  •  vf  ■    /^H 

W^ 

p?^  .  ■         ^^  ■  ""^^^^8 

9^^^^99^i^^ 

Wi 

IpA  fe'w 

^^^^^m^^^^^mm> 

Ift^ 

Jlg^^^^,;:;  "\  '^^M 

^mmmm 

^ 

l^^j^y-^^^-  """^S 

MM 

W^^fS^^ 

m 

iif 

fHI 

iliM:  ■■  iiM 

B^K^wfe^vy^^mKitKi 

s 

3ffl 

■MHSlB^Ua.^ 

ft/ 

s 

Ui^i^mmHmt^smM 

t^:^'  . 

tB^^^^M^Ik\^^\vi^Si////n^^SSK^^^M 

iil«H,l,/.:i?     «fc^^^ 

jjt^ 

ra^^^MfMM| 

1:1 

%^^m 

Iftf^ 'U 

^^m 

H^^^^^^^^B 

m 

i-MH^B 

^^^^^^M^^^^^M 

Jpi;'Si:  ^^:  ^i|;;;i:  JiiHii-ii;{:ii^;| 

mM 

'';iSv^i;iiP'';;f;jiS:| 

"The  601" — Reproduced  from  Dan  de  Quille's  "Big  Bonanza.' 


Episode  IV — Pre-Statehood  Period 

Scene  I — The  Discovery  and  Settlement  of  the  Comstock. 

Historical  Note — About  thirty  miles  northeast  of  Mormon  Station  gold  and  silver  were  dis- 
covered on  the  slope  of  Mt.  Davidson  in  the  latter  50's.  The  richness  of  the  deposits  caused  a 
fever  of  excitement  and  soon  miners  from  California  came  in  large  numbers  to  secure  claims. 
A  town  sprang  up  and  was  christened  "Virginia  City"  by  a  drunken  prospector  who  bore  the 
nickname  of  '"Old  Virginia." 

Cast  of  Characters  : 

Old  Virginia — Mr.  Isaac  Mathews. 

Miners,  Gamblers  and  Citizens — Mrs.  A.  M.  Warren  and  other  women; 
Messrs.  Nichols,  Herbert  Tait,  Tom  Fitzgerald,  Joe  Hall,  Scott  Jamison, 
J.  F.  George,  H.  F.  Alciatore,  R.  D.  Hendricks,  Profs.  J.  D.  Layman  and 
L.  W.  Hartman. 

The  scene  is  intended  to  portray  the  discovery  of  the  town  of  Virginia. 


^Lantern  Slide:  Picture,  "Getting  the  News." 
^Megaphone:  "Horace  Greeley  on  his  way  to  Placerville," 
^Lantern  Slide:  "Keep  your  seat,  Horace,  I'll  get  you  there  on  time. 
^Lantern  Slide :  "Lucky  Bill  arrested  for  cattle  stealing." 


The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         27 

Banners  give  the  titles,  "Pre-Statehood  Period"  and  "Comstock."  Two 
miners  enter  and  calling  other  prospectors  from  a  cabin  show  them  gold  in  a 
pan  and  point  to  the  distant  hills  where  it  was  found.  They  rush  off  to  investi- 
gate. Soon  a  crowd  of  people  of  all  descriptions  covers  the  field.  Old  Virginia 
in  a  drunken  revel  falls  down  and  breaks  a  bottle  of  whisky  on  the  ground  and 
cries  out,  "I  baptize  this  ground  Virginia."^  A  banner  bears  the  name  "Virginia" 
and  another  "Devil's  Gate  Toll  Road,  50  cts.,  Pass  up."  The  saw  mill,  grist  mill, 
and  the  telegraph  are  represented  in  turn  as  contributing  to  the  prosperity  of 
the  great  silver  camp.  The  gamblers  are  busy  with  their  cards,  children  are 
playing  merrily  around  and  an  air  of  happiness  pervades  the  scene,  when  suddenly 
the  Spirit  of  War  appears  and  all  floo  from  his  prosonce. 


Hank  Monk  and  ' '  Snowshoe" '  Thompson 
Scene  II — Indian  War 

Historical  Note — Considerable  trouble  occurred  between  the  white  men  and  the  Nevada 
Indians  along  the  Humboldt  from  the  very  beginning  of  overland  travel.  But  not  until  1860  did 
disaffection  ripen  into  war.  Then  the  Piutes  around  Pyramid  Lake  began  murdering  people 
and  burning  property.  Companies  of  undisciplined  soldiers  were  formed  which  went  out  from 
Virginia  City  in  pursuit  of  the  Indians.  An  engagement  took  place  near  Pyramid  Lake. 
Major  Ormsby,  who  was  in  command,  was  killed.  The  men  fled  toward  Virginia  City  as  best 
they  could.  Volunteers  and  regular  soldiers  from  California  came  to  the  aid  of  Virginia  troops 
under  Captain  Storey,  and  together  they  overcame  the  Indians  near  Pyramid  Lake.  But  Cap- 
tain Storey  fell  in  the  battle.  Forts  were  established  along  the  chief  routes  by  the  U.  S.  gov- 
ernment and  maintained  until  danger  from  the  natives  was  over. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Flaming  Spirit  of  War — Mr.  H.  F.  Alciatore.  (Raymond  Kyle  in  first  pageant.) 

Chief  Winnemucca — Capt.  Bender. 

Indians — Real  natives  led  by  Mr.  Walter  Van  Emmon. 

Soldiers  under  Capt.  Storey — University  cadets  led  by  Capt.  Applewhite. 

The  scene  portrays  the  Pyramid  Indian  War,  1860-1. 

A  banner  announces  "Indian  War."  A  man  dressed  in  bright  red,  brandish- 
ing a  naked  sword  represents  the  Flaming  Spirit  of  War,  scattering  the  young 
people  who  are  dancing  on  the  green.  He  leaps  into  the  center  of  the  field  and 
dances  the  Sword  Dance  in  frenzied  fashion.  When  the  motif  of  war  has  thus 
been  well  stated  a  messenger  from  Western  Union*  rides  on  in  great  haste 
announcing  the  burning  of  Williams's  Station  by  the  Indians  and  the  killing 
of  the  men  in  charge.  Next  appear  the  Indians  themselves  in  war  costume, 
whooping  and  yelling.  From  the  same  direction  come  the  soldiers  in  pursuit  of 
the  redskins.     Then  a  herald  announces:  "Resolved,  that  during  60  days  or 

^Megaphone:    "I  baptize  this  ground  Virginia." 

^Lantern  Slide :  "Williams's  Station,  60  miles  distant,  burned  by  Indians  !  Heavy  massacre !" 


28         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

until  tlie  settlement  of  the  present  Indian  difficiilties  no  claim  or  mining  ground 
within  the  territory  shall  be  subject  to  relocation  or  liable  to  be  jumped  for 
non-work." 


Then  follows  a  battle  with  the  Indians  and  the  scene  closes  with  Capt. 
Winnemucca  and  the  white  men  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace.' 

Scene  III — Territorial  Government 

Historical  Note — The  lack  of  government  in  western  Utah  has  hitherto  been  mentioned. 
Finally  in  1861  the  Federal  Government  granted  a  territorial  organization  to  this  section  under 

•Lantern  Slide:  Picture  "Ruins  of  Fort  Churchill." 


The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         29 

the  name  of  "Nevada."  James  W.  Nye  was  appointed  by  President  Lincoln  as  Governor  and 
Orion  Clemens  was  made  Territorial  Secretary.  These  and  the  other  officers  of  the  new  j?overn- 
ment  sent  from  Washington  came,  some  by  stage  across  the  plains  and  some  by  sea  to  Califor- 
nia and  thence  across  the  mountains.  Governor  Nye  came  in  the  latter  way,  while  Orion 
Clemens  and  his  brother,  Mark  Twain,  came  overland.  This  scene  is  inaccurate  in  that  it 
depicts  them  all  arriving  together.     Carson  City  had  been  declared  the  Capital  of  the  territory. 


"Old  Virginia"  at  Ms  Rocker 
Eeproduced  from  Dan  de  Quille's  "Big  Bonanza. 


"I  baptize  this  ground  Virginia." 
Reproduced  from  Dan  de  Quille's  "Big  Bonanza." 

Cast  of  Characters : 

Governor  Nye — Mr,  J.  F.  George. 

Orion  Clemens — 

Mark  Twain — Mr.  C.  H.  Asbury. 

Citizens  of  Western  Utah — Messrs.  Chas.  Nichols,  Herbert  Tait,  Joe  Hall,  Tom 
Fitzgerald,  and  others. 


30         The  Celebraiion  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

The  scene  represents  a  party  of  citizens  three  miles  from  Mormon  Station 
meeting  Gov.  Nye  and  escorting  him  to  Carson  City. 

Banners  announce  "Territorial  Government"  and  show  picture  of  Territorial 
Seal.  A  Concord  stagecoach  drawn  by  six  horses  bearing  Gov.  Nye,  Secretary 
Orion  Clemens  with  "four  pounds  of  U.  S.  Statutes  and  six  pounds  of  unabridged 
dictionary,"  and  Mark  Twain  with  "pipes  and  five  pounds  of  smoking  tobacco" 
enters  from  the  west  and  meets  a  hay  wagon  approaching  from  the  east.  On 
the  hay  wagon  is  an  improvised  bar  with  various  sorts  of  whisky,  beer,  etc. 
Behind  it  are  all  kinds  of  vehicles,  bearing  the  residents  of  Carson  City.  Some 
are  on  horseback,  some  on  burros,  and  a  few  on  foot.  Gov.  Nye  believes  he  is 
going  to  be  held  up  by  a  mob,  but  is  soon  reassured  and  from  his  seat  beside 
the  driver  makes  a  speech.  "They  talk  about  the  wild  and  woolly  West.  I 
find  the  most  hospitable  people  I  have  ever  met."^  After  refreshments  the  party 
goes  with  the  hay  wagon  to  Carson  City  to  establish  the  Territorial  Govern- 
ment of  Nevada.- 


Capt.  Storey  and  Capt.  Winnemucca 


Scene  IV — Civil  War ;   Boys  leave  for  war 

Historical  Note — In  1861  a  company  of  volunteer  infantry  went  from  Nevada  to  join  the 
California  regiments  for  the  Civil  War.  In  1863  six  companies  each  of  cavalry  and  infantry 
were  raised  in  Nevada.  Company  A  Nevada  Territory  Cavalry  Volunteers  were  recruited  at 
Silver  City  and  was  commanded  by  Capt.  C.  B.  Zabriskie.  In  1864  it  marched  to  Salt  Lake 
where  it  helped  to  repress  rebellious  uprisings  and  aided  against  the  Indians.  It  was  mustered 
out  in  1865. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Governor  Nye — Mr.  J.  F.  George. 

Capt.  Zabriskie — Capt.  Applewhite. 

Soldiers — University  Cadets. 

Women  with  flags  and  gifts — Mrs.  J.  F.  George,  Mrs.  A.  M.  Warren,  Mrs. 
Pike,  Mrs.  B.  F.  Dolan,  Mrs.  Drappo,  Mrs  Feelan,  Mrs.  Raitt,  and  Miss 
i*routy. 

The  soldiers  in  new  uniforms  and  preceded  by  the  band  enter  and  drill  at 
center  of  field.  The  women  present  them  with  Bibles  and  sewing  packages  and 
tearfully  bid  them  good-bye. 

Gov.  Nye  then  turns  toward  a  group  of  women  who  carry  a  large  new  silk 
flag.    One  of  them  brings  flag  to  him.    The  Governor  says  to  the  soldiers :  "The 

^Lantern  Slide :  "They  talk  about  the  wild  and  woolly  West.  I  find  the  most  hospitable  peo- 
ple I  have  ever  met." 

-Lantern  Slide :  Picture  "Mark  Twain's  cabin." 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada^ s  Semicentennial  of  Statehood        31 

wouieii  of  Nevada,  your  mothers  and  wives,  your  sisters  and  daugliters,  have 
made  this  flag  for  you,  and  have  asl^ed  me  to  present  it  to  you  for  them." 

Capt.  Zabrislcie — "Present,  Arms!" 

(tov.  Nye — "Men  of  Company  A,  Nevada  Territorial  Cavalry  Volunteers,  let 
this  flag  be  to  you  the  emblem  of  your  country.  Guard  it  well  as  you  fight  for 
her  cause."  The  Governor  hands  the  flag  to  Capt.  Zabriskie  who  takes  it  while 
the  drum  beats. 

Capt.  Zabriskie — "Your  Excellency,  in  the  name  of  my  command  I  wish  to 
assure  you  of  our  allegiance  whatever  may  come;  and  we  thank  the  women  of 
Nevada  for  this  flag.  We  will  bear  it  to  victory  or  we  will  sleep  in  honorable 
graves  beneath  its  folds." 

The  troops  are  then  started  on  their  way  east  by  the  command  of  Gov.  Nye. 

Scene  V — Sale  of  Sanitary  Sack  of  Flour 

Historical  Note — Quite  as  much  as  men,  the  U.  S.  government  needed,  in  the  Civil  War 
period,  money  for  the  care  of  its  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  In  1863  the  expenses  of  the  Sani- 
tary Commission  were  $200,000  a  month.  All  over  the  country  sanitary  fairs  were  held  to  raise 
money  for  the  fund.     In  Austin,  Nevada,  Reuel  Colt  Gridley,  a  War  Democrat,  wagered  a  sack 


Territorial  Seal. 

of  flour  that  the  Democratic  nominee  for  Mayor  would  be  elected.  The  wager  was  accepted  by 
Dr.  Herrick,  a  county  official.  If  the  latter  lost  he  was  to  carry  the  sack  from  Clifton  to  Upper 
A\istin  to  the  tune  of  "Dixie."  If  Gridley  lost,  he  was  to  carry  the  flour  from  Upper  Austin  to 
Clifton  to  the  tune  of  "Old  John  Brown."  Gridley  lost  and  paid  the  bet.  The  sack  of  flour 
•was  trimmed  with  ribbons  of  red,  white  and  blue  and  decorated  with  flags.  As  the  long  pro- 
cession moved  down  the  street,  the  spectators  cheered,  the  steam  whistles  blew,  and  great  good 
feeling  prevailed.  The  band  played  "John  Brown"  and  the  people  sang,  "Glory,  Glory,  Hallelujah." 
At  Clifton  the  flour  was  delivered  to  Dr.  Herrick  with  due  ceremony.  Then  the  crowd  adjourned 
to  a  neighboring  saloon  and  drank  to  one  another's  health.  An  argument  arose  as  to  what  dis- 
posal to  make  of  the  flour.  The  Republicans  proposed  to  make  griddle  cakes  of  it  and  eat  them 
all  themselves.  The  Democrats  declared  that  they  were  as  loyal  to  the -Union  as  were  the  Repub- 
licans and  proposed  to  test  the  matter  by  putting  up  the  flour  at  auction  and  selling  it  repeatedly 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Sanitary  Commission.  This  was  done  and  a  large  sum  was  netted.  Mr. 
Gridley  later  took  the  flour  to  other  Nevada  towns,  then  to  Sacramento  and  San  Francisco,  and 
later  to  the  Eastern  States.    Before  he  was  through  $275,000  had  been  collected  for  the  Fund. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Herrick— Mr.  E.  R.  Dodge. 

Gridley — Mr.  Lem  Allen. 

Amos  Gridley— Burris  Trout. 

Man  with  Sponge — Judge  W.  D.  Jones. 

Man  with'  Broom — Mr.  Chas.  Rulison. 

Auctioneer — Col.  H.  B.  Maxson. 

Bartender — Mr.  John  Wright. 


32         The  CelehraUoH  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

Innkeeper — Mr,  J.  F.  George. 

Populace — Mrs.  H.  Clark,  Mr,  and  Mrs.  W,  J,  Luke.  Miss  Luke,  etc. 

The  scene,  as  nearly  as  possible,  is  an  exact  reproduction  of  the  original  event 
in  Austin. 

A  banner  announces  :  **Sale  of  Gridley  Sack  of  Flour."  The  hand  playing  "Old 
John  Brown"  heads  a  procession^  consisting  of  Herrick  carrying  Gridley's  hat 
and  cane ;  Gridley's  son,  a  boy  of  thirteen,  with  flag ;  Gridley  carrying  the 
decorated  sack  of  flour  on  his  shoulder ;  two  members  of  the  Democratic  Central 
Committee  with  large  flags ;  another  member  with  a  broom,  and  another  with  a 
large  sponge  carried  aloft  on  a  pole ;  the  bartender,  auctioneer,  and  innkeeper ; 
and  in  the  rear  a  crowd  of  men,  women  and  children  followed  by  a  rabble  of 
Indians.  The  procession  halts,  having  finished  its  journey  to  Clifton.  A  feeling 
of  good  fellowship  prevails  and  the  assemblage  takes  up  the  chorus,  "Glory,  Glory, 
Hallelujah!"  They  shout,  "Go  to  it,  Gridley!"  "Stick  to  it,  Gridley!"  "Never 
say  die,  old  man!"  The  ceremonies  of  confessing  defeat  are  enacted.  Gridley 
hands  the  sack  of  flour  to  Herrick  who  accepts  it  with  the  air  of  a  conqueror 
receiving  the  sword  of  the  conquered.  The  flags  are  surrendered  and  the  broom 
given  up  in  recognition  of  the  fact  that  the  winning  party  has  swept  all  before  it. 
The  sponge  is  placed  beside  the  other  trophies  to  signify  that  the  winners  are 
entitled  to  absorb  all  places  of  profit  and  trust  in  the  city.  They  rap  at  the  door 
of  the  cabin  and  the  bartender  opens  the  door.  After  a  conversation  he  brings  out 
glasses  and  drinks  are  served.  Then  the  principal  characters  start  an  argument 
over  the  disposal  of  the  flour,='  The  Republicans  declare  they  will  make  griddle 
cakes  and  not  give  the  Democrats  any.  The  Democrats  protest  that  they  also  are 
friendly  to  the  Union  cause  and  ready  to  do  all  they  can  for  it,  Mr,  Gridley  pro- 
poses a  test  in  the  following  words:  "This  crowd  of  people  has  had  its  fun  at 
my  expense ;  let  us  see  who  will  do  the  most  for  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers. 
We  will  put  this  sack  of  flour  up  at  public  auction  and  sell  it,  with  the  under- 
standing that  whoever  the  purchaser  may  be.  he  shall  pay  the  amount  bid  and 
give  the  flour  back  to  be  sold  again  for  the  benefit  of  the  Sanitary  Commission." 
The  proposition  is  accepted  and  the  innkeeper  brings  out  a  chair  for  the  use  of 
the  auctioneer,  Mr.  C.  L.  Wiggin  introduces  the  auctioneer.^  and  the  auction 
begins.  Gridley  bids  $300* ;  Noyes,  a  Republican,  $350° ;  Buol,  the  defeated  candi- 
date for  Mayor,  offers  certificates  of  indebtedness  of  the  U,  S,  Indian  Department 
for  $1,115,  but  as  all  bids  are  payable  in  gold  his  bid  is  rejected,®  When  large 
coins  like  twenties  are  exhausted  smaller  ones  are  accepted.  Some  one  bids  a 
to\yn  lot  and  a  real  estate  man  makes  a  bid  in  gold  for  the  lot  and  the  money  goes 
to  ithe  Commission,  Bids  of  scrip  and  mining  stock  are  accepted  when  converted 
into  money,  A  large  bug  crawls  up  a  man's  leg  and  is  seized  and  auctioned  off 
for  $10,  A  man  who  speaks  disrespectfully  of  the  bug  is  thrashed.  Banners 
show  the  totals  here  and  elsewhere  for  the  fund,'' 

Banners :  "$4,000  in  Austin."  "Army  of  Lord,  Alf  Doten."  "Gold  Hill,  Yellow 

^Lantern  Slide :  "Sale  of  Gridley  Sack  of  Flour  at  Austin,  Nevada,  1863 ;  expenses  of  Sani- 
tary Commission  were  $200,000  a  month,  1864  ;  many  Sanitary  Fairs  held  to  raise  money  for 
Commission.  Reuel  Colt  Gridley,  a  War  Democrat,  wagered  a  sack  of  flour  on  a  local  election. 
He  lost  and  had  to  carry  the  flour  through  the  streets  to  the  tune  of  "John  Brown," 

^Megaphone :  "We  Republicans  will  have  some  griddle  cakes  :  the  other  fellows  don't  get 
any."  "Thunder,  we're  just  as  friendly  to  the  Union  as  you  are ;  and  will  do  just  as  much  for 
the  cause  as  you  do."  "Very  well ;    we'll  see." 

^Lantern  Slide :  "Mr.  Wiggin  in  introducing  the  auctioneer  says  that  innumerable  poultices 
can  be  made  from  the  flour,  and  that  when  the  last  bidder  shall  have  made  his  last  offer  it  is  the 
intention  of  Mr.  Gridley  to  make  the  sack  up  into  griddle  cakes  and  bombard  the  walls  of  rebel- 
lious Richmond  with  a  blockade  of  apple  dumplings." 

^Lantern  Slide :  "Gridley  bids  $300," 

^Lantern  Slide :   "Noyes,  a  Republican,  bids  $350." 

^Megaphone :  "No  greenbacks  !    Gold  standard." 

■'Lantern  Slides :  Dr.  Bellows  of  California  to  Mr.  Gridley :  "The  history  of  your  sack  of  flour 
is  undoubtedly  more  interesting  and  peculiar  than  that  of  any  sack  recorded,  short  of  the  Sack  of 
Troy,  and  it  would  take  another  Homer  to  write  it.  By  the  way,  Nevada  flour  seems  to  rise 
without  yeast.  If  it  goes  no  further,  it  will  make  Reese  River  and  Nevada  shining  parts  of  the 
history  of  our  Sanitary  Fund  on  the  Pacific." 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         33 

Jacket,  $500 ;  Belcher,  $500."  "$6,750  in  Gold  Hill."  "Dayton,  $1,847.50."  "Pacific 
Coast.  $63,000."  "U.  S.,  $275,000."^ 

Willie  the  band  plays  all  march  off  field. 

At  the  close  of  this  scene  Mrs.  Gridley  Wood,  daughter  of  Mr.  Gridley,  presents 
the  original  sack  of  fiour  to  the  Nevada  Historical  Society. 

"Ladies  and  Gentlemen,  and  Your  Honor,  Chief  Justice  Talbot :  It  is  with  the 
utmost  pleasure  and  with  proud  satisfaction,  that  I,  as  the  daughter  of  Reuel  Colt 
Gridley,  and  in  behalf  of  the  surviving  members  of  his  family,  present  to  you  this 
sack  of  flour,  which  has  made  the  name  of  the  State  of  Nevada  famous  through- 
out the  world.  It  is  our  earnest  wish  that  it  shall  ever  be  preserved  as  a  historic 
relic  of  the  good  deeds  done  in  the  name  of  humanity,  and  as  a  lasting  memory  of 
the  man  and  the  scenes  wherein  so  much  good  was  wrought.    I  thank  you." 

It  is  accepted  by  Chief  Justice  G.  F.  Talbot,  President  of  the  Society. 


Reuel  Colt  Gridley 
Scene  VI — Return  of  Nevada  Boys  from  Civil  War 

Historical  Note — The  Nevada  companies  were  used  chiefly  in  protecting  the  frontier  against 
the  Indians.  They  were  highly  honored  on  their  return.  Only  a  few  of  the  veterans  are  now 
living. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Soldiers — University  Cadets.      G.  A.  R.  Veterans  led  by  Mr.  Wright. 

Uncle  Sam— Prof.  A.  E.  Turner. 

The  soldiers  march  through  in  battered  condition  while  the  accompanying 
band  plays  "Tenting  on  the  Old  Camp  Ground."  Uncle  Sam  gives  his  tribute  to 
the  real  Civil  War  veterans  seated  at  the  right  front  of  field.  They  rise  while  he 
pronounces  it :  "Veterans  of  the  Civil  War :  I  bid  you  welcome.  You  have  wit- 
nessed the  progress  and  fulfilment  of  American  ideals — the  faith  that  brought 
the  Spanish  and  English  explorers  across  uncharted  seas — the  courage  that  led 
the  Pioneers  from  their  old  homes  in  the  East  to  establish  a  new  State  in  this 


^Lantern  Slide :   Picture  of  Gridley  Monument. 


34         The  Celehratiou  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


■■■■ 

K    ^  TjH[ 

wmm^»i'-' 

^H^^ 

^_^^_^^n 

H  -'* 

^^K^-^^*^"'  "^ 

^^^B^^dK 

^L. ' 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 

^^^HMk 

^H^IiDG 

^^H 

Hi 

1  j 

™ 

o 

^    ,• 

o  — ^ 

m  ^ 

CQ  CO 


H     3 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         35 

Far  West,  the  loyalty  to  the  Spirit  of  Liberty,  which  in  1770  achieved  our  political 
independence.  You  have  participated  in  a  mighty  conflict  which  brought  victory 
to  the  cause  of  the  Union  and  which  has  brolven  the  shacliles  of  the  slave.  Upon 
this  strengthened  foundation  of  our  Republic  shall  rise  a  united  country  which 
welcomes  the  people  of  all  nationalities  who  stand  for  an  independent,  coura- 
geous, and  loyal  citizenship,  upon  which  rests  the  future  greatness  of  the  Ameri- 
can Nation."    The  veterans  resume  scats  and  the  chorus  then  sings  "Tenting." 

Episode  V — Statehood 

Historical  Note — In  1863  the  people  of  Nevada,  Territory  sent  representatives  to  a  Con- 
stitutional Convention  at  Carson  City  to  make  a  frame  of  government  for  the  proposed  State 
of  Nevada.  The  constitution  there  made  was  rejected  by  the  people  at  the  polls.  But  in  Febru- 
ary of  1864  Congress  passed  a  new  enabling  Act  which  was  signed  by  the  President  on  March 
21,  1864.  On  the  Fourth  of  July  a  second  Constitutional  Convention  was  held  at  Carson  City, 
and  a  second  constitution  was  framed,,  which  exempted  the  property  in  mines  from  taxation. 
The  document  was  completed  on  the  27th  day  of  July,  1864,  and  was  adopted  at  the  polls  on 
September  7.    On  the  31st  of  October  the  President  proclaimed  Nevada  a  State  of  the  Union. 


Monument  erected  to  Reuel  Colt  Gridley  at  Stockton,  California,  by 
the  G.  A.  R.  and  other  patriotic  citizens 

William  M.  Stewart,  one  of  Nevada's  first  United  States  Senators,  says  in  his  "Reminis- 
cences" : 

It  was  understood  that  the  Government  at  Washington  was  anxious  that  Nevada 
should  become  a  State  in  order  that  her  Senators  and  Representative  might  assist  in  the 
adoption  of  amendments  to  the  Constitution  in  aid  of  the  restoration  of  the  Southern 
States  after  the  Union  should  be  vindicated  by  war.  Another  and  very  important  factor 
in  inducing  the  people  to  vote  for  statehood  was  the  unsatisfactory  judiciary  condition 
under  a  territorial  form  of  government  *  *  *  The  morning  after  I  took  my  seat  in 
the  Senate  I  called  upon  President  Lincoln  at  the  White  House.  He  received  me  in  the 
most  friendly  manner,  taking  me  by  both  hands,  and  saying :  "I  am  glad  to  see  you  here. 
We  need  as  many  loyal  States  as  we  can  get,  and,  in  addition  to  that,  the  gold  and  silver 
in  the  region  you  represent  has  made  it  possible  for  the  Government  to  maintain  sufficient 
credit  to  continue  this  terrible  war  for  the  Union.  I  have  observed  such  manifestations 
of  the  patriotism  of  your  people  as  assure  me  that  the  Government  can  rely  on  your 
State  for  such  support  as  is  in  your  power." 

On  April  14,  1865,  President  Lincoln  was  assassinated. 


36         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


..ASH   I 


.,      SCALE  J»  MILES  ^^» 


The  New  State  of  Nevada:  The  Thirty-sixth  Star  in  the  Union— Its  Latitude 

and  Longitude.    (Copied  from  The  Weekly  Herald,  New  York, 

November  12,  1864.) 


The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         37 

Cast  of  Characters: 

Columbia — Miss  Alice  O'Brien. 

Justice — Mrs.  O.  H.  Mack  (Miss  Pauline  Donlin  in  second  pageant). 
Charity — Miss  Pauline  Donlin  (Miss  Helen  Cahill  in  second  pageant). 
Peace — Miss  Maude  Wallin  (Miss  Opal  Cunningham  in  second  pageant). 
Hope — Miss  Zoe  Gould  (Miss  Fern  Wright  in  second  pageant). 


First  Supreme  Court  Judges  of  Nevada, 

Liberty — Mrs.  Kistler. 

Nevada — Miss  Mary  Raitt. 

Abraham  Lincoln — Mr.  Roy  Robinson. 


1864 


38         The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  StateJiood 

Senator  Nye — Mr.  J.  F,  George. 
Senator  Stewart — Rev.  Mr.  Goodsell. 
This  scene  represents  the  admission  of  Nevada  in  18G4. 

This  episode  was  presented  by  the  Sparlvs  people  led  by  Mrs.  J.  F.  George. 
Judge  Virden,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  1863, 


carried  a  banner  representing  that  event,  and  Judge  G.  N.  Folsom,  who  sat  in  the 
Constitutional  Convention  of  1864,  carried  the  banner  for  that  gathering. 

Banner  announces  "Statehood." 

While  the  chorus  sings  "Columbia,"  Judge  Virden  marches  through  with  ban- 


The  Celehrution  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         39 

ner  of  Constitutional  Convention  of  1803.*  Banner  follows  reminding  of  the 
Enabling  Act  of  1804.-  Judge  G.  X.  Folsoni  carries  banner  of  Constitutional 
Convention  of  1804.^  Banner  tells  of  Proclamation  of  Nevada  statehood.  Banner 
bearing  Nevada  State  Seal.  Then  comes  Columbia  garbed  in  national  colors  with 
her  attendants.  She  is  escorted  to  a  small  throne  where  she  sits  surrounded  by 
Justice  in  purple,  Charity  in  mantle  of  blue,  I'eace  in  white  and  bearing  a  dove 
and  olive  branch.  Hope  in  rainbow  colors  and  tossing  golden  b^l^and  winged 
Liberty  in  crimson  and  rose.  ^^•WUHn  4JOiOU8Q 

A  float  appears  from  right  bringing  Nevada,  impersonated  as  a  young  woman 
in  khaki  and  sombrero,  and  Abraham  Lincoln.  Alighting  from  the  float  President 
Lincoln  escorts  Nevada  to  Columbia's  throne  and  presents  her  as  a  candidate  for 
statehood.    Gives  proclamation. 


42-foot  Wheel,  Virginia  City,  Built  1870 
By  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America : 


A  PROCLAMATION 

Whereas,  The  Congress  of  the  United  States  passed  an  Act,  which  was 
approved  on  the  21st  day  of  March  last,  entitled,  "An  Act  to  enable  the  people  of 
Nevada  to  form  a  Constitution  and  State  Government,  and  for  the  admission  of 
such  State  into  the  Union  on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States" ;  and 

Whereas,  The  said  Constitution  and  State  Government  have  been  formed, 

^Lantern  Slide:  "Judge  Virden,  Delegate  to  Constitutional  Convention  of  1863." 

-Lantern  Slide :  "An  Act  to  enable  the  people  of  Nevada  to  form  a  Constitution  and  State 

Government  and  for  the  admission  of  such  State  into  the  Union  on  an  equal  footing  with  the 

original  States.     Washington,  D.  C,  March  21,  1864." 

"Lantern  Slide :  "Judge  G.  N.  Folsom,  Delegate  to  Constitutional  Convention  of  1864." 


40         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 


pursuant  to  the  conditions  prescribed  by  the  fifth  section  of  the  Act  of  Congress 
aforesaid,  and  the  certificate  required  by  the  said  Act,  and  also  a  copy  of  the 
Constitution  and  ordinances,  have  been  submitted  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States : 

Now,  therefore,  be  it  known,  that  I,  Abraham  Lincoln,  President  of  the 
United  States,  in  accordance  with  the.  duty  imposed  upon  me  by  the  Act  of 
Congress  aforesaid,  do  hereby  declare  and  proclaim  that  the  said  State  of 
Nevada  is  admitted  into  the  Union  on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States. 

In  Witness  Whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and  caused  the  seal  of  the 
United  States  to  be  affixed. 

Done  at  the  City  of  Washington  this  thirty-first  day  of  October,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-four,  and  of  the  independence 
of  the  United  States  the  elghty-ulnth.  ABRAHAM  I.INCOLN. 

By  the  President :    William  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of  State. 

Nevada  kneels  in  supplication  and  Columbia,  with  hands  outstretched,  assists 
Nevada  in  rising,  and  places  her  on  the  throne  beside  herself.  While  the  Nevada 
song  is  being  rendered  by  Mrs,  Lunsford,  Lincoln  leaves  the  field.  Then  enter 
Senators  Nye  and  Stewart,  with  valises,  on  their  way  to  Washington  to  repre- 
sent the  new  born  State.  A  banner  says  "To  Washington."  They  make  their 
adieus  to  Nevada  and  pass  on. 

A  banner  telling  of  the  ratification  of  the  13th  amendment  is  next  displayed,^ 
and  a  float  follows  bearing  the  Goddess  of  Liberty,  Lincoln,  and  a  slave  girl.  It 
pauses  at  center  of  field  and  Lincoln  in  pantomime  commands  that  chains  be 
removed  from  the  arms  of  slave.  The  goddess  complies  and  also  raises  the  slave 
who  has  been  kneeling  at  her  feet.  With  thanks  to  Nevada  the  group  disappears 
on  the  float  and  soon  after  a  pistol  shot  tells  of  the  assassination  of  Lincoln.^  The 
flag  is  lowered  to  half-mast  and  the  band  plays  the  funeral  march. 

MY  OWN  NEVADA 


(Tune 
Oh,  my  Nevada, 

Dearest  home  on  earth  to  me. 
Heed  not  their  laughter 

Who  make  light  of  thee ; 
Love  alone  hath  vision 

To  behold  how  fair  thou  art. 
And  thy  children  only 

Know  thy  charms  by  heart. 

CHORUS 

My. own  Nevada, 

Thou  art  very  dear  to  me ; 
My  own  Nevada, 

Thou  art  home  to  me. 

Few  are  thy  cities. 

And  thy  towns  are  far  between, 
Scant  are  thy  harvests. 

And  thy  fields  of  green  ; 
But  thy  sagebrush  deserts, 

And  thy  hills  so  brown  and  bare, 
Have  their  own  strange  beauty. 

In  thy  lucent  air. 

And,  so  it  seemeth. 

As  if  thus  to  compensate. 
Thy  skies  are  fairest 

Where  thy  harvests  wait. 
On  thy  treeless  hillsides 

How  the  colors  dawn  and  die, 
And  where  earth  is  drearest 

Softest  colors  lie. 


Juanita) 

No,  not  forever 

Shall  thy  acres  lie  unfilled; 
No,  not  forever 

Shall  thy  wealth  be  spilled 
In  the  laps  of  strangers. 

Who  thy  silver  locks  have  shorn. 
And  have  mocked  thy  weakness, 

Whence  their  strength  was  born. 

No,  not  forever — 

Some  day  shall  thy  waters  stored 
Flow  through  thy  valleys. 

And  unlock  their  hoard ; 
And  thy  fields  shall  ripple 

With  the  laugh  of  golden  grain. 
And  thy  hills  shall  echo 

With  the  laugh  again. 

Some  day  thy  children 

Shall  a  glad  great  army  be  : 
Some  day  thy  cities 

Known  from  sea  to  sea  ; 
Yet  they  shall  not  love  thee, 

In  that  day  of  thy  success, 
More  than  we  who  love  thee 

Just  for  lovingness. 

— Robert  Whitaker 
(Formerly  member  of  Faculty  of 

University  of  Nevada). 


^Lantern  Slide: 
^Lantern  Slide: 


'Ratification  of  the  13th  Amendment." 
'Lincoln  Assassinated."- 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         41 


■: 


."'<z^' 


^-A^^fii 

^^^-H 

w/ 

srntoii  NNKi. 

^^ 

m 

\  ; 

<'<>.MSr()(  K    l,()l>K 

1^ 

^: 

j 

'  'For  the  purpose  of  tapping  the  Lode  at  a  depth  of  1,600  feet. 


42         The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 
Episode  VI — "Bonanza  Period" 

Historical  Note — From  1863  to  1875  mining  excitement  at  Virginia  City  was  at  its  height. 
Wild  speculation  prevailed  and  its  devotees  included  prominent  men  from  California.  "Bonanza," 
signifying  good  fortune,  became  the  usual  designation  for  the  Comstock  mines.  Supplies  were 
brought  in  from  California  by  freight  team  at  tremendous  expense.  Nevertheless  no  luxury  was 
too  expensive  for  the  residents  of  Virginia  City.  The  Virginia  Consolidated  Mining  Company 
was  formed  and  later  sold  to  the  mining  firm  of  James  G.  Fair,  John  W.  Mackay,  James  C. 
Flood,  and  William  S.  O'Brien.  In  1873  they  discovered  the  "great  bonanza"  and  shares  went 
up   to  phenomenal  prices.     The   Sutro   Tunnel  was   made   from   the   Carson   River,   20,000   feet 

i?iiili!iilPiL  liiili   immm  mum    i 


*3   9;=,-ocu-=Uu-=.  "e.Mi       T 


p* 


away,  to  the  Comstock  Lode  for  the  purpose  of  tapping  the  lode  at  a  depth  of  1,600  feet,  thus 
aiding  in  ventilation  and  draining  of  water  as  well  as  in  transportation  of  ores  to  Carson  River, 
where  water  power  and  wood  were  more  cheaply  procured  than  at  the  mines.  Adolph  Sutro 
was  the  author  of  this  great  engineering  work. 

Meanwhile  an  overland  railroad  was  being  projected  and  built,  while  the  Nevada  mines  were 
reached  by  the  V.  &  T.  The  Central  Pacific  line,  beginning  at  Sacramento  in  1868,  reached 
Reno,  which  town  was  then  known  as  "The  end  of  the  track."  From  here  transportation  was 
made  to  Virginia  City  by  team  until,  in  1872,  the  Virginia  and  Truckee  Railroad  was  completed. 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         43 

Cast  of  Characters: 

The  "Big  Four"— Mr.  H.  J.  Gosse,  Mr.  C.  T.  Bender,  Mr.  U.  M.  Slater,  Judge 
Geo.  S.  Brown  (Prof.  N.  E.  Wilson,  Prof.  Leheubauer). 

Virginia  City  People — Mrs.  Anna  AVarren  and  others. 

Engineer — Floyd  Moffitt. 

A  banner  marked  "Reno.  End  of  Track,"  is  followed  by  a  miniature  engine 
depicting  the  first  train  on  the  overland  road,* 

The  scene  then  shifts  to  Virginia  City  where  the  mining  excitement  of  the 
Bonanza  is  depicted.-  A  banner  announces  "Bonanza  Period."  A  group  of 
Pioneers  including  miners  stands  about  the  cabin  door.  The  "Big  Four" — 
Mackay,  Fair,  Flood,  and  O'Brien^ — with  heavily  loaded  valises  of  bullion  enter 
and  talk  with  the  miners.  Banners  tell  of  Belcher  stock  at  $1,400  and  Savage 
at  $700.  Another  bears  inscription  "Con.  Virginia"  and  another  "Sutro  Tunnel." 
A  great  celebration  is  held  and  this  concludes  with  the  dance  "Old  Dan  Tucker."^ 


Goldfield,  1905 
Episode  VII — Allegorical;    Period  of  Depression 

Historical  Note — In  1875  mining  stocks  on  the  Comstock  had  reached  a  ruinous  point  of 
inflation,  far  exceeding  the  available  capital  which  they  were  supoosed  to  represent.  When 
the  fever  for  selling  broke  out  stocks  fell  from  50  to  250  per  cent.  The  demonetization  of  silver 
in  1873  caused  a  rapid  depreciation  of  that  metal  in  the  world's  markets,  thereby  making 
impossible  the  working  of  the  cheaper  grade  ores.  Industries  other  than  mining  had  been 
little  developed.  Not  only  in  Virginia  but  elsewhere  throughout  Nevada  a  period  of  depression 
set  in  which  lasted  until  the  close  of  the  century  in  spite  of  the  efforts  of  Senators  Jones  and 
Stewart  to  bring  silver  again  to  its  own.  Then  came  the  discovery  of  the  great  southern 
camps  of  Tonopah  and  Goldfield  and  capital  was  again  made  available  for  the  working  of 
Nevada  mines.  Also  more  attention  was  being  given  to  agriculture  and  other  permanent 
sources  of  wealth. 

Cast  of  Characters: 

The  Glooms — School  children ;  Ruth  Asbury,  Ethel  Avansino,  Irma  Avansino, 
Pauline  Berrum,  Lavoylda  Brinkman,  Margaret  Brown,  Audrey  Brundage, 
Ruth  Brundage,  Barbara  Buhner,  Beverly  Bulmer,  Helen  Burke,  Natalie 
Byington,  Agnes  Casey,  Mary  Casey,  Thelma  Ceander,  Fay  Chamberlain, 
Geraldine    Chamberlain,    Gertrude    Clark,    Ruth    Curtis,    Louise    Davies, 

^Lantern  Slide :  Picture  of  Virginia-Street  bridge ;    "Reno,  End  of  Track." 
-Lantern  Slide:  "Virginia  City." 

^Lantern  Slide :   "The  Big  Four :    Mackay,  Fair,  Flood,  and  O'Brien." 
^Lantern  Slide :  Picture  of  "A  Pastime  that  is  Passing." 


44         The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  StateJiood 

Evelyn  Davis,  Frances  Dietrich,  Charlotte  Edsall,  Laloie  Evans,  Pauline 
Ferris,  Helen  Flanigan,  Ruth  Foster,  Natalie  Frank,  Aileen  Freeman, 
Catherine  Hall,  Hazel  Hay,  Muriel  Holland,  Ella  Lewis,  Ida  Lewis,  Irene 
Lisbon,  Olive  Macaulay,  Walker  Melarkey,  Benita  Miles,  Elsie  Mitchell, 
Evelyn  Nelson,  Helen  Olds,  Hattie  Odermatt,  Helen  Organ,  Eleanor  Pier- 
son,  Helen  Pike,  Dorothy  Record,  Ruth  Shaver,  Helen  Shaver,  Margaret 
Short,  Elizabeth  Tingley,  Leonard  Tobin,  Daisy  Trembly,  Bernice  Watt, 
Elsie  Webb,  Marjorie  Webb,  Vernie  Wedekind,  Isabel  Wigg. 


Dug-Out  Houses  at  Goldfield  soon  after  the  discovery  of  the  camp 


Rawhide,  a  mining  camp  of  the  new  era 


Nevada — Miss  Mary  Raitt. 

Spirit  of  Pageantry — Miss  Dorothy  Bird. 

This  scene  is  a  symbolic  expression  of  conditions  in  Nevada  from  1875-1890. 

After  banner  announces  "Depression"  and  "Demonetization  of  Silver"  the 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada^S  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         45 

glooms  dressed  in  black  teddies  swarm  on  to  the  field  and  perform  the  Dance  of 
the  Glooms.  Nevada  stands  at  one  side  in  a  spirit  of  dejection,  seemingly  unable 
to  adapt  herself  to  the  changed  conditions.  As  the  movement  ceases  she  sinks 
to  the  ground  discouraged.  The  Spirit  of  Pageantry,  the  Spirit  of  Faith  in 
Nevada's  Future,  because  of  the  spirit  of  cooperation,  enters  garbed  in  bright 
golden  robes  and  raises  Nevada  from  the  ground.  The  latter  takes  on  new 
courage  and  determination  and  brandishing  her  sword  returns  to  her  throne 
where  she  watches  the  discovery  of  Tonopah  and  Goldfield*  and  the  revival  of 
many  old  camps,  recalled  to  mind  by  appropriate  banners,  "Remonetization  of 
Silver,"  "Tonopah,"  "Goldfield."  A  lively  Stock  Exchange  of  190G  is  also 
depicted. 

Episode  VIII — Present  Condition  and  Future  Outlook 
Scene  I — Present  Condition 
Cast  of  Characters  :- 

French  Vintage  Dance — Reno  School  Children  :  Ruth  Asbury,  Ethel  Avansino, 
Pauline  Berrum,  Audrey  Brundage,  Ruth  Brundage,  Barbara  Bulmer, 
Beverly  Bulmer,  Helen  Burke,  Agnes  Casey,  Fay  Chamberlain,  Catherine 
Hull,  Irene  Lisbon,  Helen  Olds,  Eleanor  Pierson,  Dorothy  Record,  Evelyn 
Turner,  Bernice  Watt,  Elsie  Webb,  Bernice  Wedekind,  Irma  Avansino. 


Reno  High  School  Building 

Scotch  Petronella — Reno  School  Children:  Esther  Asbury,  Laura  Asbury, 
Lavoylda  Brinkman,  Margaret  Brown,  Mary  Casey,  Geraldine  Chamberlain, 
Ruth  Curtis,  Evelyn  Davis,  Louise  Davies,  Charlotte  Edsall,  Laloie  Evans, 
Pauline  Ferris,  Natalie  Frank,  Muriel  Holland,  Hazel  Hay,  Benita  Miles, 
Hattie  Odermatt,  Daisy  Trembly,  Marguerite  Brown. 

Irish  Six-Hand  Reel — Reno  School  Children :  Natalie  Byington,  Helen  Pike, 
Walter  Melarkey,  Helen  Flanigan,  Elizabeth  Tingley,  Leonard  Tobin. 

Swedish  Reaping  the  Flax — Young  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  Reno :  The  Misses 
Barber,  Cahill,  Carpenter,  Clayton,  Clark,  English,  Francovich,  Hetchel, 
Harrison,  McDonald,  Odbert,  Stoddard,  Goode,  Hopkins,  Moody,  Sharbel, 
White  and  Mesdames  Aldrich  and  Bray.  Messrs.  Jones,  Lloyd,  Nicholl, 
Oakes,  Pierce,  Rausell,  St.  Clair. 

*  Lantern  Slides :  Dug-out  Houses  in  Goldfield ;  Prospector  at  Rawhide. 
-The  national  dances  were  limited  in  number  by  limited  supply  of  dancers. 


46         The  Celehration  of  Nevada 's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

Danish  Ace  of  Diamonds  Dance — Sparks  School  Children :  Margaret  Arthur. 
Helen  Austin,  Marcella  Coats,  Nellie  Cobb,  Opal  Cunningham,  Cora  Dawson. 
Jessie  Emery,  Muriel  Follen,  Nell  Frances,  Marie  Grubnaw,  Helen  Hecox, 
Frances  Shannon,  Genevieve  Smith,  Grace  Staley,  Dorothy  Widdeman. 

Dutch  Green  Mill  Dance — Sparks  School  Children:  Vivian  Arthur,  Everett 
Cobb.  Jack  Cunningham,  Helen  Drummond,  George  Holly,  Catherine  Kistler, 
Agnes  Lahr,  George  O'Brien,  Oscar  Osman,  Frances  Rausch,  Ruth  Rothery, 
Bertie  Simpson,  George  Whitehead,  Georgina  Wolverton. 

Mercury — 

Ceres — Delta  Delta  Delta  Sorority. 

Float  of  the  Fire  of  Knowledge — Delta  Rho  Sorority. 

This  scene  shows  the  cosmopolitan  character  of  Nevada's  present  population 
and  the  diversity  of  her  interests  and  her  culture,  presaging  her  power  for  the 
future. 

Two  banners  announce  this  scene:  "Present  Outlook"  and  "Contribution  of 


;/^- 


mm 


^-l^ 


tv';^/msiiil 


The  Mackay  School  of  Mines  at  the  University  of  Nevada 

Nations."  A  series  of  folk  dances  is  given  in  rapid  succession  to  picture  the 
coming  of  foreigners.  Each  group  is  dressed  in  the  national  costume  and  shows 
symbolically  what  it  has  contributed  to  the  making  of  the  State. 

Wing-footed  Mercury  comes  with  hat  and  staff  adorned  with  wings  and  rep- 
resents the  ideas  of  invention  and  mining.  Ceres,  dressed  in  grain,  does  the  same 
for  agriculture  and  stock  raising.  Business,  religious  orders,  fraternal  societies, 
the  press,  law,  individual  enterprises,  trade  unions,  state,  county,  city,  women's 
clubs,  boy  scouts,  and  the  schools  are  also  represented.^  Included  in  the  latter 
is  the  exhibition  of  band  music  by  the  Stewart  Indian  School  as  also  the  pro- 
cession of  kindergarten  children  which  indicates  the  rightful  place  of  children 
in  the  present  development  of  the  State. 

After  a  banner  inscribed  "Education"  comes  the  float  of  the  Fire  of  Knowledge 

^Lantern  Slides :  Showing  timbering  of  mines,  large  Goldfiield  and  Reno  buildings,  Reno 
High  School,  modern  ways  of  traveling,  state  buildings  and  Governor's  Mansion,  state  officers, 
irrigation  dam.  University  views,  Glenbrook  Bay  at  Lake  Tahoe,  and  other  beautiful  Nevada 
scenery. 


The  Celebration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood         47 

which  is  a  cauldron  of  burning  coals  on  a  pedestal  and  Alma  Mater  in  cap  and 
gown,  representing  the  University.  While  these  are  exhibiting  in  pantomime,  a 
soloist  renders  the  Nevada  song :  "To  Thee  We  Sing,  O,  Silver  State." 

NEVADA  SONG 
{Air:  Maryland,  My  Maryland) 
To  thee  we  sing,  O,  Silver  State, 

Nevada,  oh!     Nevada,  oh! 
,  October  is  thy  natal  date, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
Born  in  the  bosom  of  the  West, 

Of  all  the  States  we  prize  thee  best, 
Here  life  and  love  have  richer  zest, 
Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh ! 

From  Reno  to  the  Utah  line, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 
Thy  riches  pour  from  many  a  mine, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 
From  Tonopah  and  Rhyolite, 

Virginia,  too,  and  Ely,  bright, 
Thy  metal  treasures  greet  the  sight. 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh  ! 

We  love  old  Pioche's  wondrous  mines, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 
Panaca's  lovely  verdure  lines, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
Las  Vegas,  too,  and  Caliente, 

The  town  where  Carson  pitched  his  tent. 
Full  golden  are  the  days  we've  spent, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 

Goldfield  and  Bullfrog  side  by  side, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
Pour  out  their  wealth  in  endless  tide, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
We  love  thy  deserts  and  thy  rocks, 

We  love  thy  herds,  we  love  thy  flocks, 
W"e  love  thy  brooks  and  granite  blocks, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh ! 

Our  hardy  sires  have  filled  with  care, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh ! 
Thy  fertile  vales  with  homesteads  fair, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
Thy  cattle  graze  a  thousand  hills. 

Rare  orchards  cluster  round  thy  rills. 
Thy  air  resounds  with  hum  of  mills, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh ! 

So  as  the  decades  roll  along, 

Nevada,  oh !    Nevada,  oh  ! 
In  plenty,  peace  and  cheerful  song, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 
Our  growth  in  greatness  may  we  see. 

In  soul  and  mind  and  body  free. 
May  all  our  hearts  beat  time  to  thee, 

Nevada,  oh  !    Nevada,  oh ! 

Scene  II — Allegorical :    Nevada's  Choice  for  the  Future. 
Cast  of  Characters: 

Spirit  of  Future — Miss  Hazel  Hayes. 

Water  Power — 

Agriculture — 

Mining — 


48         The  Celehration  of  Nevada's  Semicentennial  of  Statehood 

This  scene  represents  the  conscious  choice  for  the  future  of  Nevada  of  the 
permanent  sources  of  prosperity,  thus  showing  her  growing  sense  of  respon- 
sibility. 

Water  power,  agriculture  and  mines  are  appropriately  symbolized  on  separate 
areas  of  the  field.  Water  power  is  represented  by  waterfall,  agriculture  by  a 
farmer  with  a  scythe  and  leading  a  sheep,  and  mining  by  the  prospector  with  a 
pick  and  pan.  Following  a  banner  "Spirit  of  the  Future"  the  hazy  Spirit  of  the 
Future  floats  in  and  shows  favor  first  to  one  and  then  to  another  of  the  indus- 
tries. Finally  she  decides  in  favor  of  agriculture  as  the  permanent  source  of 
Nevada's  future  prosperity,  and  hand  in  hand  they  glide  from  the  scene  while 
the  Future  also  draws  the  other  industries  on  in  the  rear  by  winning  words  and 
glances. 

Scene  III — Final  Review  of  Pageant  by  Columbia,  Nevada  and  Europe 
Cast  of  Characters: 
All  pageanteers. 

This  scene  is  a  tribute  to  civilization  as  wrought  by  our  Pioneers. 

Columbia  and  Nevada  and  the  European  courts  from  their  respective  thrones 
review  the  Pageant  procession  as  it  again  sweeps  onto  the  field.  It  gathers 
around  the  Spirit  of  Civilization  in  the  center  of  the  field  while  a  tribute  is 
pronounced  to  the  Pioneers  of  the  State  : 

"Our  forefathers,  men  of  indomitable  spirit  and  God-fearing  lineage,  made 
their  habitation  in  California  and  with  the  home  feeling  strong  w^ithin  them 
gave  to  their  new  abode  in  the  desert  the  name  of  Nevada,  brought  from  the 
banks  of  the  Yuba  with  their  picks  and  their  shovels.  May  the  spirit  that  existed 
in  them  in  the  50's  and  found  echo  in  the  TO's  on  the  Comstock  be  an  inspiration 
to  all  our  lineage  and  may  the  coming  cycle  bring  to  all  peace,  prosperity,  and 
happiness,  by  the  grace  of  God  who  for  fifty  years  has  cherished  the  people  of 
Nevada." 

Audience  and  all  pageanteers  unite  in  singing  with  aid  of  band  and  chorus 
the  hymn  "America."^ 

^An  attempt  has  been  made  to  give  the  names  of  all  pageanteers,  but  the  list  is  neces- 
sarily incomplete,  especially  for  the  last  episode.  Many  hundreds  of  people  participated.  The 
banners  were  carried  by  47  boys  from  the  public  schools.  A  partial  list  of  these  standard 
bearers  follows :  Clarence  Anderson,  Morrow  Anderson,  Teddy  Arden,  Wren  Baker,  Del 
Beach,  Herbert  Billings,  Ernest  Brown,  John  Calhoun,  Donald  Church,  Paul  Crawford,  Earl 
Curtis,  Melvin  Curtis,  Herman  Davis,  Paul  Davis,  Stanley  Davis,  Ross  Devnon,  George  Duborg, 
Homer  Forrester,  Myron  Frank,  Eli  Francovich,  Harold  Golding,  Raymond  Golding,  Charles' 
Goodale,  Jack  Hauschild,  William  Johnston.  Earl  Lamb,  George  Lewis,  Edwin  Loder,  Alva 
Lonfield,  Clyde  Lorton,  William  Mallory,  William  Merchan,  Charles  Patterson,  Robert  Ray. 
Vandlyn  Reider,  Donald  Richards,  Fred  Share,  Stephen  Short,  William  Simpson,  Arthur  Snare, 
Charles  Stewell,  Elliot  Taylor,  Carl  Webaud,  Beverly  Week. 


<UNION(Jb:iOLABEL> 


